Kristen Wilson-Russell v. HHS - Tdap, brachial neuritis (2026)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On June 12, 2025, Kristen Wilson-Russell filed a petition alleging shoulder and nerve injury after a Tdap vaccination administered on January 26, 2023. She later amended the petition to proceed only on brachial neuritis.
Respondent conceded entitlement for brachial neuritis, while noting that the concession precluded a separate SIRVA claim. The public ruling states that the Table criteria were satisfied: onset occurred within the required 2-to-28-day window after Tdap vaccination, the clinical diagnosis involved brachial plexopathy, EMG or nerve conduction testing was consistent with the diagnosis, no other condition explained the symptoms, and sequelae lasted more than six months.
On January 21, 2026, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found Ms.
Wilson-Russell entitled to compensation. Damages remained pending.
Theory of causation
Tdap vaccine January 26, 2023 allegedly causing brachial neuritis; adult, exact age not stated. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; damages pending. Criteria: onset 2-28 days after Tdap, clinical brachial plexopathy, EMG/NCS support, no better alternative cause, sequelae over six months. SIRVA claim was not pursued after amendment. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition June 12, 2025; decision January 21, 2026.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_25-vv-00983