VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_25-vv-01192 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_25-vv-01192 Petitioner: Linda Sundquist Filed: 2025-07-17 Decided: 2026-03-17 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2023-11-15 Condition: left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 68086 AI-assisted case summary: On July 17, 2025, Linda Sundquist filed a petition seeking compensation under the Vaccine Act. She alleged that an influenza vaccine administered on November 15, 2023 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, that the injury lasted longer than six months, and that no other party had received compensation for the injury. Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report filed January 30, 2026. Respondent agreed that Ms. Sundquist's injury was consistent with Table SIRVA because she had no history of pain, inflammation, or dysfunction in her left shoulder before vaccination; pain occurred within forty-eight hours after an intramuscular vaccination; pain and reduced range of motion were limited to the vaccinated shoulder; and no other condition or abnormality had been identified to explain her shoulder pain. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran granted entitlement that same day. On March 17, 2026, the Special Master awarded damages based on respondent's proffer. The award was a lump sum of $68,086.00, payable through counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Ms. Sundquist. It consisted of $67,500.00 for pain and suffering and $586.00 for unreimbursed expenses. Ms. Sundquist was identified as a competent adult, so no guardianship evidence was required. Theory of causation field: Influenza vaccine on November 15, 2023 causing left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (Table SIRVA). ENTITLEMENT GRANTED; COMPENSATED. Petition filed July 17, 2025. Respondent Rule 4(c) report January 30, 2026 conceded Table SIRVA: no prior left shoulder pain/inflammation/dysfunction, pain within 48 hours, pain/reduced ROM limited to vaccinated shoulder, no alternate condition, residual effects over six months. CSM Brian H. Corcoran granted entitlement January 30, 2026 and awarded damages March 17, 2026. Award $68,086 lump sum ($67,500 pain and suffering + $586 unreimbursed expenses). Attorney: Leah VaSahnja Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, Washington DC. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_25-vv-01192-0 Date issued/filed: 2026-03-02 Pages: 2 Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 01/30/2026) regarding 17 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (nh) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:25-vv-01192-UNJ Document 19 Filed 03/02/26 Page 1 of 2 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 25-1192V LINDA SUNDQUIST, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: January 30, 2026 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Leah VaSahnja Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, Washington, DC, for Petitioner. Ryan Nelson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On July 17, 2025, Linda Sundquist filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) resulting from an influenza vaccine received on November 15, 2023. Petition at 1. Petitioner further alleges that her injury has lasted longer than six months, and neither Petitioner, nor any other party, has ever received compensation in the form of an award or settlement for her vaccine-related injury. Petition at ¶¶ 8, 9. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. 1 Because this Ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Ruling will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Case 1:25-vv-01192-UNJ Document 19 Filed 03/02/26 Page 2 of 2 On January 30, 2026, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 1. Specifically, Respondent agrees that Petitioner’s injury is consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table in that “petitioner had no history of pain, inflammation, or dysfunction of her left shoulder prior to vaccination; pain occurred within forty-eight hours after receipt of an intramuscular vaccination; pain and reduced ROM were limited to the shoulder in which the vaccine was administered; and no other condition or abnormality has been identified to explain petitioner’s shoulder pain.” Id. at 5. Respondent further agrees that the medical records indicate that Petitioner suffered the residual effects of her condition for more than six months, and has satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Vaccine Act. Id. In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that Petitioner is entitled to compensation. IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 2 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_25-vv-01192-cl-extra-11269735 Date issued/filed: 2026-03-02 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10803007 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 25-1192V LINDA SUNDQUIST, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: January 30, 2026 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Leah VaSahnja Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, Washington, DC, for Petitioner. Ryan Nelson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On July 17, 2025, Linda Sundquist filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) resulting from an influenza vaccine received on November 15, 2023. Petition at 1. Petitioner further alleges that her injury has lasted longer than six months, and neither Petitioner, nor any other party, has ever received compensation in the form of an award or settlement for her vaccine-related injury. Petition at ¶¶ 8, 9. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. 1 Because this Ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Ruling will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). On January 30, 2026, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 1. Specifically, Respondent agrees that Petitioner’s injury is consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table in that “petitioner had no history of pain, inflammation, or dysfunction of her left shoulder prior to vaccination; pain occurred within forty-eight hours after receipt of an intramuscular vaccination; pain and reduced ROM were limited to the shoulder in which the vaccine was administered; and no other condition or abnormality has been identified to explain petitioner’s shoulder pain.” Id. at 5. Respondent further agrees that the medical records indicate that Petitioner suffered the residual effects of her condition for more than six months, and has satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Vaccine Act. Id. In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that Petitioner is entitled to compensation. IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 2 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_25-vv-01192-1 Date issued/filed: 2026-04-21 Pages: 5 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 03/17/2026 ) regarding 23 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer, Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (nh) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:25-vv-01192-UNJ Document 27 Filed 04/21/26 Page 1 of 5 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 25-1192V LINDA SUNDQUIST, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: March 17, 2026 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Leah VaSahnja Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, Washington, DC, for Petitioner. Ryan Nelson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1 On July 17, 2025, Linda Sundquist filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) resulting from an influenza vaccine received on November 15, 2023. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On January 30, 2026, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for SIRVA. On March 17, 2026, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $68,086.00. Proffer at 2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered award. 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Case 1:25-vv-01192-UNJ Document 27 Filed 04/21/26 Page 2 of 5 Id. Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $68,086.00 (comprised of $67,500.00 in pain and suffering and $586.00 in unreimbursed expenses), to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a). The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 Case 1:25-vv-01192-UNJ Document 27 Filed 04/21/26 Page 3 of 5 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ) LINDA SUNDQUIST, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 25-1192V v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN ) SERVICES, ) ) Respondent. ) ) RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On July 17, 2025, Linda Sundquist (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation (“Petition”) under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34, as amended (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered on November 15, 2023. Petition at 1. On January 30, 2026, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed a Rule 4(c) Report indicating that this case is appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act for a SIRVA Table injury, and the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding petitioner entitled to compensation. ECF No. 16; ECF No. 17. I. Items of Compensation Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $67,500.00 in pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioner agrees. Case 1:25-vv-01192-UNJ Document 27 Filed 04/21/26 Page 4 of 5 Based on evidence supplied by petitioner, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $586.00 in unreimbursed expenses. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(1)(A). Petitioner agrees. These amounts represent all elements of compensation to which petitioner is entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case. Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment as described below and requests that the Chief Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following1: a lump sum payment of $68,086.00, to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner. Respectfully submitted, BRETT A. SHUMATE Assistant Attorney General JONATHAN D. GUYNN Acting Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division VORIS E. JOHNSON Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division 1 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future pain and suffering. 2 Case 1:25-vv-01192-UNJ Document 27 Filed 04/21/26 Page 5 of 5 /s/ Ryan A. Nelson RYAN A. NELSON Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, D.C. 20044-0146 Tel: (202) 616-4027 ryan.nelson3@usdoj.gov Dated: March 17, 2026 3 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 4: USCOURTS-cofc-1_25-vv-01192-cl-extra-11314126 Date issued/filed: 2026-04-21 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10846759 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 25-1192V LINDA SUNDQUIST, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: March 17, 2026 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Leah VaSahnja Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, Washington, DC, for Petitioner. Ryan Nelson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1 On July 17, 2025, Linda Sundquist filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) resulting from an influenza vaccine received on November 15, 2023. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On January 30, 2026, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for SIRVA. On March 17, 2026, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $68,086.00. Proffer at 2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered award. 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Id. Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $68,086.00 (comprised of $67,500.00 in pain and suffering and $586.00 in unreimbursed expenses), to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a). The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ) LINDA SUNDQUIST, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 25-1192V v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN ) SERVICES, ) ) Respondent. ) ) RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On July 17, 2025, Linda Sundquist (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation (“Petition”) under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34, as amended (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered on November 15, 2023. Petition at 1. On January 30, 2026, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed a Rule 4(c) Report indicating that this case is appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act for a SIRVA Table injury, and the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding petitioner entitled to compensation. ECF No. 16; ECF No. 17. I. Items of Compensation Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $67,500.00 in pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioner agrees. Based on evidence supplied by petitioner, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $586.00 in unreimbursed expenses. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(1)(A). Petitioner agrees. These amounts represent all elements of compensation to which petitioner is entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case. Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment as described below and requests that the Chief Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following 1: a lump sum payment of $68,086.00, to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner. Respectfully submitted, BRETT A. SHUMATE Assistant Attorney General JONATHAN D. GUYNN Acting Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division VORIS E. JOHNSON Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division 1 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future pain and suffering. 2 /s/ Ryan A. Nelson RYAN A. NELSON Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, D.C. 20044-0146 Tel: (202) 616-4027 ryan.nelson3@usdoj.gov Dated: March 17, 2026 3