In the United States Court of Federal Claims 

OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

No. 16-476V

Filed: October 28, 2016

UNPUBLISHED

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

LUCIA DESA, *

*

Petitioner, * Damages Decision Based on Proffer;

v. * Influenza Vaccine (“Flu Vaccine”);

* Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine 

SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Administration (“SIRVA”);

AND HUMAN SERVICES, * Special Processing Unit (“SPU”)

*

Respondent. *

*

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Leah V. Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, Washington, DC, for petitioner.

Christine M. Becer, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.

DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1

Dorsey, Chief Special Master:

On April 14, 2016, Luciana Desa (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation 

under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et 

seq.,

2

(the “Vaccine Act” or “Program”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered injuries, 

including a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) resulting from the 

influenza vaccine she received on August 29, 2015. Petition at 1. The case was 

assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.

On July 5, 2016, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding petitioner entitled to 

compensation. (ECF No. 12). On October 28, 2016, respondent filed a proffer on 

award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating petitioner should be awarded $180,000.00.

Proffer at 1 (ECF No. 19). In the Proffer, respondent represented that petitioner agrees 

 

1 Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, the 

undersigned intends to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, in accordance with 

the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of 

Electronic Government Services). 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, the undersigned agrees that the identified material fits 

within this definition, the undersigned 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 “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 

300aa (2012).
2

with the proffered award. Id. Based on the record as a whole, the undersigned finds 

that petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer.

Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, the undersigned awards

petitioner a lump sum payment of $180,000.00 in the form of a check payable to 

petitioner, Luciana Desa. This amount represents compensation for all damages that 

would be available under § 300aa-15(a).

The clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this 

decision.3

IT IS SO ORDERED.

s/Nora Beth Dorsey

Nora Beth Dorsey

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.
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS

OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

____________________________________

)

LUCIANA DESA, )

)

Petitioner, )

) No. 16-476V

v. ) Chief Special Master Dorsey

) ECF

SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND ) 

HUMAN SERVICES, )

)

Respondent. )

____________________________________) 

RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION

I. Items of Compensation

Based upon the evidence of record, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded 

$180,000.00 which represents all elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled 

under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).1 Petitioner agrees. 

II. Form of the Award

The parties recommend that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made 

through a lump sum payment of $180,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. 

Petitioner agrees. 

 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 medical 

expenses, future lost earnings, and future pain and suffering. 
2

Respectfully submitted,

BENJAMIN C. MIZER

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General

C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO

Acting Director

Torts Branch, Civil Division

CATHARINE E. REEVES

Acting Deputy Director

Torts Branch, Civil Division

LISA A. WATTS

Senior Trial Attorney

Torts Branch, Civil Division 

 s/Christine Mary Becer

CHRISTINE MARY BECER

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) 616-3665

Date: October 28, 2016