Court Opinion

ID: 6114599
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-02-01 22:01:12.686732+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:18:21.428201
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                                   OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
                                           No. 19-1916V
                                          UNPUBLISHED

    ROBERT MCCABE,                                               Chief Special Master Corcoran

                          Petitioner,                            Filed: December 29, 2021
    v.
                                                                 Special Processing Unit (SPU);
    SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND                                      Entitlement to Compensation; Table
    HUMAN SERVICES,                                              Injury; Decision Awarding Damages;
                                                                 Pain and Suffering; Influenza (Flu)
                         Respondent.                             Vaccine; Shoulder Injury Related to
                                                                 Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)

David John Carney, Green & Schafle, LLC, Philadelphia, PA, for Petitioner.

Martin Conway Galvin, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.

          RULING ON ENTITLEMENT AND DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1

      On December 18, 2019, Robert McCabe filed a petition for compensation under
the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the
“Vaccine Act”), alleging that he suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine
Administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered to him on
September 24, 2017. Petition, ECF No. 1 at 1. The case was assigned to the Special
Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters (the “SPU”).

      For the reasons described below, and after holding a brief hearing on entitlement
and damages in this matter, I find that Petitioner is entitled compensation, and I award

1
  Although I have not formally designated this Decision for publication, I am required to post it on the United
States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, because it
contains a reasoned explanation for my determination. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (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 (2012).
damages in the amount $110,000.00, representing Petitioner’s actual pain and
suffering.

   I.     Relevant Procedural History

       As noted above, the case was initiated in December 2019. On April 28, 2020,
Respondent filed a status report suggesting that this matter might not be capable of an
informal resolution within the SPU because the vaccine records established that the
vaccine at issue had been administered in Petitioner’s left deltoid – not his right shoulder
as alleged. ECF No. 15 at 2. Additionally, Respondent’s counsel asserted that Petitioner
did not seek treatment for right shoulder pain until approximately one month after his
vaccination. Id.

       On March 24, 2021, Petitioner filed a Motion for Ruling on Record and Brief in
support of Damages (“Motion”), arguing that he had established entitlement to
compensation for his SIRVA injury and requesting $195,000.00 for past/actual pain and
suffering plus $1,000.00 per year for life for future pain and suffering. ECF No. 26.
Petitioner specifically asserted that evidence in the record preponderantly established
that the vaccine was administered in his right shoulder and caused injury within 48 hours.
Id.

        Respondent filed his Response to Petitioner’s Motion and Rule 4(c) Report on May
20, 2021 (“Response”) recommending that entitlement to compensation be denied under
the terms of the Vaccine Act. ECF No. 28. Affirming his counsel’s observation that the
records established that the vaccine was administered in Petitioner’s left deltoid,
Respondent argued that the Table criterion that pain and reduced range of motion are
limited to the shoulder in which the intramuscular vaccine was administered had not been
met. Id. at 7. Respondent further asserted that Petitioner had not provided evidence
sufficient to establish causation-in-fact under the relevant standard. Id. at 8-10. Petitioner
filed his Reply on May 28, 2021. ECF No. 29.

       In November of this year, I proposed this case be set for an expedited “Motions
Day” hearing on December 10, 2021, at which time I would decide the disputed issues
based on all evidence filed to date and any oral argument from counsel. ECF No. 30. The
parties agreed, and Respondent filed his damages brief (“Brief”) on December 6, 2021,
recommending an award of $90,000 for actual pain and suffering if I found that Petitioner
was entitled to compensation. ECF Nos. 31, 34.

      The Motions Day hearing took place as scheduled. Minute Entry dated December
27, 2021. After the argument, I orally ruled on Petitioner’s entitlement to compensation

                                              2
and made a damages determination as well. This Decision memorializes those
findings/determinations.

    II.      Factual Findings and Ruling on Entitlement

             A. Legal Standards

       Before compensation can be awarded under the Vaccine Act, a petitioner must
demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, all matters required under Section
11(c)(1), including the factual circumstances surrounding his claim. Section 13(a)(1)(A).
In making this determination, the special master or court should consider the record as a
whole. Section 13(a)(1). Petitioner’s allegations must be supported by medical records or
by medical opinion. Id.

        To resolve factual issues, the special master must weigh the evidence presented,
which may include contemporaneous medical records and testimony. See Burns v. Sec'y
of Health & Human Servs., 3 F.3d 415, 417 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (explaining that a special
master must decide what weight to give evidence including oral testimony and
contemporaneous medical records). Contemporaneous medical records are presumed to
be accurate. See Cucuras v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 993 F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed.
Cir. 1993). To overcome the presumptive accuracy of medical records testimony, a
petitioner may present testimony which is “consistent, clear, cogent, and compelling.”
Sanchez v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., No. 11–685V, 2013 WL 1880825, at *3 (Fed.
Cl. Spec. Mstr. Apr. 10, 2013) (citing Blutstein v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., No.
90–2808V, 1998 WL 408611, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 30, 1998)).

       In addition to requirements concerning the vaccination received, the duration and
severity of petitioner’s injury, and the lack of other award or settlement,3 a petitioner must
establish that she suffered an injury meeting the Table criteria, in which case causation
is presumed, or an injury shown to be caused-in-fact by the vaccination she received.
Section 11(c)(1)(C).

        The most recent version of the Table, which can be found at 42 C.F.R. § 100.3,
identifies the vaccines covered under the Program, the corresponding injuries, and the
time period in which the particular injuries must occur after vaccination. Section 14(a).
Pursuant to the Vaccine Injury Table, a SIRVA is compensable if it manifests within 48

3
 In summary, a petitioner must establish that he received a vaccine covered by the Program, administered
either in the United States and its territories or in another geographical area but qualifying for a limited
exception; suffered the residual effects of his injury for more than six months, died from his injury, or
underwent a surgical intervention during an inpatient hospitalization; and has not filed a civil suit or collected
an award or settlement for her injury. See § 11(c)(1)(A)(B)(D)(E).

                                                        3
hours of the administration of a flu vaccine. 42 C.F. R. § 100.3(a)(XIV)(B). The criteria
establishing a SIRVA under the accompanying QAI are as follows:

      Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). SIRVA manifests
      as shoulder pain and limited range of motion occurring after the
      administration of a vaccine intended for intramuscular administration in the
      upper arm. These symptoms are thought to occur as a result of unintended
      injection of vaccine antigen or trauma from the needle into and around the
      underlying bursa of the shoulder resulting in an inflammatory reaction.
      SIRVA is caused by an injury to the musculoskeletal structures of the
      shoulder (e.g. tendons, ligaments, bursae, etc.). SIRVA is not a neurological
      injury and abnormalities on neurological examination or nerve conduction
      studies (NCS) and/or electromyographic (EMG) studies would not support
      SIRVA as a diagnosis (even if the condition causing the neurological
      abnormality is not known). A vaccine recipient shall be considered to have
      suffered SIRVA if such recipient manifests all of the following:

      (i) No history of pain, inflammation or dysfunction of the affected shoulder
      prior to intramuscular vaccine administration that would explain the alleged
      signs, symptoms, examination findings, and/or diagnostic studies occurring
      after vaccine injection;

      (ii) Pain occurs within the specified time frame;

      (iii) Pain and reduced range of motion are limited to the shoulder in which
      the intramuscular vaccine was administered; and

      (iv) No other condition or abnormality is present that would explain the
      patient’s symptoms (e.g. NCS/EMG or clinical evidence of radiculopathy,
      brachial neuritis, mononeuropathies, or any other neuropathy).

42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10).

          B. Site of Vaccination

       Based upon a review of the entire record, I find that the flu vaccine Petitioner
received on September 24, 2017, was likely administered in his right arm, as he contends.
Specifically, I base my findings on the following evidence:

          •   Petitioner received the flu vaccine alleged as causal on September 24,
              2017, at a Rite-Aid pharmacy. He was accompanied by his wife, Virginia

                                            4
    McCabe, who also received a flu vaccine at that time. Ex. 1 at 2-5; Ex. 2 at
    7; Ex. 13 at 2-3; Ex. 18.

•   The vaccination confirmation record is comprised of a “Screening
    Questionnaire and Consent Form (“Consent Form”)” and a document
    entitled “Service Details.” While the Consent Form is difficult to read, it
    appears that “LA” was manually circled to indicate the site of vaccine
    administration. Ex. 1 at 3. The Service Details form, which appears to be a
    computerized record, reflects that Petitioner’s flu shot was administered in
    his left upper arm. Id. at 5.

•   In his supplemental affidavit, Petitioner avers that he instructed the
    pharmacist to inject the vaccine into his right arm “as it is my dominant arm
    and always tolerates the injection better.” Ex. 2 at 3. He further recalled “the
    pharmacist placing a Band-Aid on my right shoulder where the flu shot was
    given, which further reaffirms in my mind that the vaccine was not given in
    my left shoulder.” Id. at 7.

•   Petitioner presented to an orthopedist on October 4 and October 25, 2017,
    for care and evaluation of bilateral heel pain. There is no indication that
    Petitioner mentioned his September 2017 vaccination or side-effects
    therefrom. Ex. 5 at 29-33.

•   At an initial treatment visit with his primary care physician on October 30,
    2017, Petitioner complained of right shoulder pain and was thereafter
    directed to undergo an MRI of his right shoulder. Ex. 3 at 9.

•   Petitioner had a follow-up visit with his primary care physician on November
    3, 2017. During this visit, Petitioner reported that he continued to have right
    shoulder pain. Ex. 3 at 8.

•   On November 22, 2017, Petitioner underwent a right shoulder MRI without
    contrast. The MRI revealed “1. Subdeltoid/subacromial and subcoracoid
    bursitis. 2. Supraspinatus footprint focal high-grade partial bursal tear with
    subjacent reactive marrow edema. 3. Biceps tenosynovitis. 4. No significant
    glenohumeral OA or labral tear.” Ex. 4 at 7.

•   Petitioner presented to his primary care physician on November 28, 2017
    to discuss the results of the MRI. Petitioner again reported that he continued
    to experience right shoulder pain. Ex. 3 at 7.

•   On December 4, 2017, Petitioner had an appointment with an orthopedist.
    The orthopedist noted that Petitioner presented with ten weeks of right
    shoulder pain and that “he did have a flu shot immediately preceding his
    pain.” Ex. 5 at 24.

                                    5
          •   Petitioner had an initial physical therapy (PT) evaluation on December 14,
              2017. At this visit, Petitioner reported experiencing right shoulder pain a few
              days after his flu shot. Ex. 6 at 8.

          •   Petitioner underwent a surgical arthroscopy of the right shoulder,
              arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, debridement and subacromial
              decompression on February 6, 2019. Ex. 5 at 41-42.

          •   Petitioner’s wife, Virginia McCabe, submitted an affidavit dated April 30,
              2020. In it, she avers that she received the flu shot in her right shoulder –
              not her left as reflected in her own record of vaccine administration. Noting
              that her medical history is significant for left side breast cancer, Ms. McCabe
              states “I was advised by my physicians, surgeons, oncologists, vascular
              surgeons and anesthesiologists that I cannot receive any vaccines, blood
              pressure measurements and I.V. medications in my left arm due to the
              amount of treatment, surgery and repair that I have had on the left side of
              my upper body.” Ex. 13 at 2.

          •   Ms. McCabe’s vaccination record, which reflects her September 24, 2017
              vaccination, as well as medical records documenting her breast cancer
              diagnosis and related procedures, were filed as Exhibits 14 – 18.

       The above-referenced evidence supports a finding that Mr. McCabe’s September
24, 2017 vaccine was likely administered in his right shoulder. Petitioner consistently
sought treatment for his right shoulder, and on at least two occasions specifically
associated his right shoulder pain with the vaccination. As discussed in other decisions,
consistent reporting to treating physicians that a shoulder injury was associated with a
specific vaccination in the same shoulder can serve as probative evidence that can
overcome a contradictory vaccine administration form. See e.g., Desai v. Sec'y of Health
& Human Servs., No. 14-811V, 2020 WL 4919777, at *13-14 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. July
30, 2020); Mogavero v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., No. 18-1197V, 2020 WL
4198762 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 12, 2020); Hanna v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs.,
No. 18-1455V, 2021 WL 3486248 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. July 15, 2021); Mezzacapo v.
Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., No. 18-1977V, 2021 WL 1940435, at *7 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. Apr. 19, 2021).

        Notably, Mr. McCabe was accompanied to the September 2017 vaccination by his
wife, who also received her flu vaccine at the same time and who has corroborated
Petitioner’s assertion that he received the flu vaccine in his right arm. Additionally, Mrs.
McCabe offered written testimony concerning her own erroneous vaccination record. Like
Petitioner, she states that the flu shot was administered in her right arm – not her left, as
indicated in her own record – elaborating that “I cannot receive any vaccines . . . in my
left arm due to the amount of treatment, surgery and repair that I have had on the left side
of my body.” Ex. 13 at 2. This explanation is consistent with the medical records

                                             6
documenting the treatment Ms. McCabe received for left side breast cancer. I accept
Petitioner’s affidavits, and that of his wife, to be credible accounts of the facts surrounding
vaccination, having no reason to doubt the truthfulness of the assertions contained
therein.

       Although there were two intervening appointments between the date of Petitioner’s
vaccination and his first doctor’s visit when right shoulder pain was discussed, these
records do not contradict the situs conclusion. Thus, the only evidence undermining
Petitioner’s contention is the vaccination confirmation record – the VAR. However, while
the “Service Details” portion of the VAR clearly indicates a left arm vaccination, the
notation regarding site of administration on the Consent Form is difficult to discern.
Respondent argues that, despite its lack of clarity, the VAR's contemporaneous quality is
grounds to give it substantially more weight than other subsequent evidence. Response
at 7, 10. But, as discussed above, the subsequent treatment records in this case
universally describe a right shoulder injury associated with the vaccination in that same
shoulder.

       This case represents a close call.4 Petitioners cannot successfully controvert
vaccination records establishing situs simply by arguing that the record is wrong, but
without offering other evidence. Likewise, however, Respondent cannot solely point to
the vaccination record – especially when, as here, it is unclear or has been contradicted
by treatment records and testimony. In this case, the medical records, combined with the
witness testimony, provide good reason for discounting the reliability of the notations
regarding situs on the VAR. I therefore find it more likely than not that the vaccination
alleged as causal in this case was administered to Petitioner in the right arm/shoulder on
September 24, 2017.

            C. Factual Findings Regarding QAI Criteria for Table SIRVA

      After a review of the entire record, I find that Petitioner has preponderantly satisfied
the QAI requirements for a Table SIRVA. The medical records and affidavits filed in this
case are hereby incorporated by reference.

                1. Prior Condition

4
 I also note that Petitioner’s claim that he preferred to receive a vaccination in his dominant arm is not
particularly persuasive, given that the vast majority of claimants seek vaccination in the non-dominant arm,
so as to avoid discomfort in the arm they use the most. There was, however, enough other evidence to
support Petitioner’s claim without the need to give weight to this highly-uncommon assertion.

                                                     7
      The first QAI requirement for a Table SIRVA is lack of a history revealing problems
associated with the affected shoulder which were experienced prior to vaccination and
would explain the symptoms experienced after vaccination. 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10)(i).

      Respondent does not dispute Petitioner has met the first requirement under the
QAI for a Table SIRVA. Additionally, I do not find any evidence that Petitioner suffered a
pre-vaccination history of problems that would explain his post-vaccination shoulder
symptoms. Accordingly, I find that Petitioner has met this first criterion to establish a Table
SIRVA.

              2. Onset of Pain

        A petitioner alleging a SIRVA claim must also show that he experienced the first
symptom or onset within 48 hours of vaccination (42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a)(XIV)(B)), and that
his pain began within that same 48-hour period (42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10)(ii) (QAI
criteria)).

        Respondent does not dispute Petitioner has met this requirement. Additionally,
while Petitioner’s records do not reflect a precise date of onset, I find that the evidence
collectively establishes that his shoulder pain began within 48 hours of receiving the
September 24, 2017 flu vaccine. There is no counterevidence undercutting Petitioner’s
contention that his pain began close-in-time to vaccination, and he consistently attributed
his shoulder pain to the flu shot. See, e.g., Ex. 3 at 7-9 (primary care records detailing
Petitioner’s reports of right shoulder pain); Ex. 5 at 24 (orthopedic record noting that
Petitioner “did have a flu shot immediately preceding his [right shoulder] pain); Ex. 6 at 8
(physical therapy note reflecting Petitioner’s report of right shoulder pain “a few days”
after his flu shot). Furthermore, the affidavits submitted by Petitioner are consistent with
the medical evidence, and I have no reason not to deem them credible otherwise.
Accordingly, I find that Petitioner has met this criterion to establish a Table SIRVA.

              3. Scope of Pain and Limited ROM

       Based upon a review of the entire record, I find that Petitioner’s pain and reduced
range of motion were limited to his right shoulder. In his Response, Respondent asserts
that Petitioner’s pain and reduced range of motion were not “limited to the shoulder in
which the intramuscular vaccine was administered” given that Petitioner’s vaccination
record lists his left arm as the site of administration. Response at 7. This argument,
however, was predicated on acceptance of Respondent’s contention that Petitioner
received the vaccine in his left shoulder. Based on my finding herein, that argument is
moot.

                                              8
       Although not raised in the Response, during the Motions Day hearing, Respondent
also argued that Petitioner’s pain was not limited to the shoulder in which his flu shot was
given because of Petitioner’s complaint of pain that radiated down his elbow at his
December 4, 2017 orthopedic appointment. See Ex. 5 at 24. Although there is a singular
reference to radiating pain in the filed record, the majority of other records support a
finding that Petitioner’s pain was limited to his right shoulder. Accordingly, preponderant
evidence establishes that Petitioner’s pain was limited to his right shoulder.

              4. Other Condition or Abnormality

        The last QAI criteria for a Table SIRVA states that there must be no other condition
or abnormality which would explain a petitioner’s current symptoms. 42 C.F.R. §
100.3(c)(10)(iv). Respondent has not contested that Petitioner meets this criterion, and
there is no evidence in the record to the contrary. Thus, the record contains preponderant
evidence establishing that there is no other condition or abnormality which would explain
the symptoms of Petitioner’s right shoulder injury.

          D. Other Requirements for Entitlement

       As stated in the previous section, I find that the onset of Petitioner’s left shoulder
pain was within 48 hours of vaccination. See 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10)(ii) (setting forth this
QAI requirement). This finding also satisfies the requirement that the first symptom or
manifestation of onset occur within the time frame listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. 42
C.F.R. § 100.3(a)(II)(C) (listing a time frame of 48 hours for a Table SIRVA following
receipt of the flu vaccine). Therefore, Petitioner has satisfied all requirements for a Table
SIRVA and is entitled to a presumption of causation.

       Even if a petitioner has satisfied the requirements of a Table injury or established
causation-in-fact, he or she must also provide preponderant evidence of the additional
requirements of Section 11(c), i.e. receipt of a covered vaccine, residual effects of injury
lasting six months, etc. See generally § 11(c)(1)(A)(B)(D)(E). But those elements are
established or undisputed.

       Based upon all of the above, Petitioner has established that he suffered a Table
SIRVA. Additionally, he has satisfied all other requirements for compensation. I therefore
find that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case.

   III.   Damages

          A. The Parties’ Arguments

                                             9
        Citing six prior damages determinations, Petitioner requests $195,000.00 in actual
pain and suffering plus $1,000.00 per year for life for future pain and suffering. Motion at
2. He asserts that his course of treatment (including two MRIs, two steroid injections,
approximately 80 sessions of physical therapy, and arthroscopic surgery), is comparable
to the aforementioned SIRVA cases and warrants an award at that level. Motion at 19,
20-27. Petitioner also emphasizes that he endured severe pain and suffering, and that
his symptoms continue to interfere with his ability to care for his ill wife and perform
activities of daily living. Id. at 27.
        Respondent, by contrast, proposes an award of no more than $90,000.00 for
Petitioner’s pain and suffering. Brief at 2, 11. He argues that “the severity and duration of
petitioner’s pain, as well as its limited duration and nominal impact on petitioner’s activities
of daily living, can fairly be described as moderate and mild.” Id. at 11. Respondent cites
to three cases in particular – Martin, Shelton, and Weed – in which petitioners received
between $97,500.00 and $105,000.00 for pain and suffering.5

            B. Legal Standards for Damages Awards
      In another recent decision, I discussed at length the legal standard to be
considered in determining damages and prior SIRVA compensation within SPU. I fully
adopt and hereby incorporate my prior discussion in Sections II and III of Berge v. Sec’y
Health & Human Servs., No. 19-1474V, 2021 WL 4144999, at *1-3. (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr.
Aug. 17, 2021).

        In sum, compensation awarded pursuant to the Vaccine Act shall include “[f]or
actual and projected pain and suffering and emotional distress from the vaccine-related
injury, an award not to exceed $250,000.” Section 15(a)(4). The petitioner bears the
burden of proof with respect to each element of compensation requested. Brewer v. Sec’y
of Health & Human Servs., No. 93-0092V, 1996 WL 147722, at *22-23 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. Mar. 18, 1996). Factors to be considered when determining an award for pain and
suffering include: 1) awareness of the injury; 2) severity of the injury; and 3) duration of
the suffering. 6

5
 Martin v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 19-0830V, 2021 WL 2350004 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 5,
2021)($100,000.00 for pain and suffering); Shelton v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 19-0279, 2021
WL 2550093 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 21, 2021) ($97,500 for pain and suffering); Weed v. Sec’y of Health
& Human Servs., No. 18-1473, 2021 WL 1711800 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 30, 2021)($105,000 for pain
and suffering).
6
 I.D. v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 04-1593V, 2013 WL 2448125, at *9 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May
14, 2013) (quoting McAllister v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No 91-1037V, 1993 WL 777030, at *3
(Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 26, 1993), vacated and remanded on other grounds, 70 F.3d 1240 (Fed. Cir.
1995)).

                                                  10
           C. Appropriate Compensation for Pain and Suffering

       In this case, awareness of the injury is not disputed. The record reflects that at all
times Petitioner was a competent adult with no impairments that would impact his
awareness of his injury. Therefore, I analyze principally the severity and duration of
Petitioner’s injury. When performing this analysis, I review the same record relied upon
to determine entitlement, including the filed affidavits and medical records, written briefs,
and argument at the December 10th Motions Day hearing. I have also considered prior
awards for pain and suffering in both SPU and non-SPU SIRVA cases, and rely upon my
experience adjudicating these cases. Based upon the above, I note and find the following:

       •   Petitioner received the flu vaccine alleged as causal on September 24, 2017.
           Ex. 1 at 2-5.

       •   Petitioner presented to D.P.M. Faith Schick at Rothman Orthopaedics on
           October 4, 2017 (10 days post-vaccination) where he complained of bilateral
           heel pain. Ex. 5 at 31-33. There is no mention of arm or shoulder pain in the
           record documenting this visit.

       •   On October 25, 2017, Petitioner again presented to D.P.M. Schick. He reported
           “feeling better with less pain to the heels with ambulation.” Ex. 5 at 29-30. The
           record documenting this appointment does not indicate that Petitioner
           mentioned arm or shoulder pain.

       •   Petitioner presented to his primary care physician, Dr. Marc Nanfara, on
           October 30, 2017 (36 days post-vaccination) for a wellness exam. Upon
           examination, Dr. Nanfara’s noted “lat[eral] abduction [illegible] full ant[erior]
           abduction, limited posterior abduction, neuro[logically] intact. Ex. 3 at 9.

       •   Petitioner underwent an x-ray on October 31, 2017. The impression was mild
           degenerative changes with “[n]o evidence of calcific tendinitis or
           fracture/dislocation.” Ex. 4 at 6.

       •   Petitioner had a follow-up visit with Dr. Nanfara on November 3, 2017.
           Petitioner reported that his pain had continued, though to a lesser extent. The
           examination note indicates that although Petitioner experienced minimal
           discomfort, he had a positive drop test. In addition to diagnosing Petitioner with
           right shoulder pain and prescribing Motrin, Dr. Nanfara referred Petitioner to an
           orthopedist and for MRI testing. Ex. 3 at 8.

       •   Petitioner underwent a right shoulder MRI on November 22, 2017. It revealed

                                             11
    “1. Subdeltoid/subacromial and subcoracoid bursitis. 2. Supraspinatus footprint
    focal high-grade partial bursal sided tear with subjacent reactive marrow
    edema. 3. Biceps tenosynovitis. 4. No significant glenohumeral OA
    [osteoarthritis] or labral tear.” Ex. 4 at 7.

•   Petitioner returned to Dr. Nanfara on November 28, 2017 to discuss the MRI
    results. Petitioner reported that his right shoulder continued to hurt. Ex. 3 at 7.

•   On December 4, 2017, Petitioner presented to Dr. Matthew Pepe at Rothman
    Orthopaedics. Dr. Pepe noted that Petitioner presented with ten weeks of right
    shoulder pain. Dr. Pepe further noted that Petitioner suffered from joint
    stiffness, decreased range of motion and positive impingement signs.
    Petitioner was assessed with right shoulder pain and adhesive capsulitis and
    was administered a steroid injection. Ex. 5 at 24-25.

•   Petitioner participated in an initial physical therapy evaluation on December 14,
    2017. He rated his current right shoulder pain as a zero on a ten-point scale,
    while also reporting that his pain ranged from zero at its best to ten at its worse.
    Ex. 6 at 8-10.

•   Petitioner presented to Dr. Pepe on March 9, 2018. He reported “some
    improvement in his right shoulder symptoms,” but noted “he gets plateaued.”
    On exam, Petitioner was found to have improved range of motion and good
    strength. He was administered a second cortisone injection and was assessed
    with right shoulder adhesive capsulitis and a partial rotator cuff tear. Ex. 5 at
    22-23.

•   On April 20, 2018 (approximately 7 months post-vaccination), returned to Dr.
    Pepe for a follow-up examination. The medical note documenting this visit
    indicates that Petitioner “has very mild pain although he is very functional” and
    that his symptoms were minimal. It was further indicated that Petitioner “did
    have injection in the joint, which gave him significant benefit as well as a
    subacromial injection at the last visit with minimal benefit.” Petitioner was
    assessed with a “right shoulder high grade partial rotator cuff tear.” Ex. 5 at 20.

•   During the period of December 14, 2017 through April 23, 2018, Petitioner
    participated in 32 physical therapy sessions. Ex. 6. The discharge summary
    indicates that Petitioner’s current pain was a zero on a ten-point pain scale,
    while also reporting that his pain ranged from zero as its best to four at its
    worse. Further, Petitioner was found to have full range of motion on abduction,
    flexion and internal rotation, while his external rotation was slightly reduced.
    Moreover, Petitioner was unable to sleep on his right side, experienced some

                                       12
    difficulty putting on his jacket and had pain after a few minutes when lifting and
    “increased pain at end ranges” when reaching. His prognosis was “good.” Ex.
    6 at 111-12.

•   Petitioner underwent a second MRI on September 11, 2018. It revealed
    “[s]upraspinatus tendinosis with near full-thickness articular surface tear,”
    [i]nfraspinatus tendinosis with concealed interstitial tear,” and [s]ubacromial
    deltoid bursitis.” Ex. 4 at 2-3.

•   On September 14, 2018 (approximately 1-year post vaccination), Petitioner
    returned to Dr. Pepe with complaints of discomfort in his right shoulder. He
    reported that this sensation occurred when rolling on his shoulder at night and
    when “reaching, lifting, pushing or pulling.” Noting that Petitioner’s most recent
    MRI demonstrated a progressive rotator cuff tear that was “enlarging,” Dr. Pepe
    recommended arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Petitioner indicated that he
    would pursue this course of treatment after his retirement in January 2019. Ex.
    5 at 18.

•   Petitioner underwent right shoulder arthroscopic rotator cuff repair,
    debridement and decompression on February 6, 2019 – almost a year and a
    half post-vaccination. Ex. 5 at 41-42.

•   Petitioner presented to P.A. Diego L. Fiorentino on May 20, 2019. The record
    indicates that Petitioner felt excellent, had no pain and that his “motion [was]
    returning nicely.” Ex. 5 at 8.

•   Petitioner began a second course of physical therapy on June 6, 2019. At the
    time of his initial evaluation, Petitioner reported that his current right shoulder
    pain was a two on a ten-point scale, and that his pain ranged from zero at its
    best to nine at it worse. Petitioner also reported that he suffered from
    weakness, limited range of motion, and restricted functional activities of daily
    living. Ex. 7 at 44-46.

•   On July 15, 2019, Petitioner attended a follow-up appointment with P.A.
    Fiorentino regarding his right shoulder. The note documenting this visit
    indicates that Petitioner’s condition was improving and he was feeling “quite
    well. Ex. 5 at 6.

•   Petitioner underwent a physical therapy re-evaluation on September 30, 2019.
    Ex. 12 at 12-14. The note documenting this evaluation reveals that Petitioner’s
    pain ranged from zero to five on a ten-point scale. Id. Petitioner’s “problem list”
    included decreased range of motion and strength, which prevented full

                                      13
           functional activity, as well as decreased participation in recreational activities
           and decreased postural strength. Id. at 14.

       •   Petitioner’s last documented orthopedic appointment took place on October 14,
           2019 – approximately 2 years post-vaccination. The medical note indicates that
           Petitioner was “feeling excellent” and had been “improving nicely.” Petitioner
           was instructed to continue with six more weeks of therapy before transitioning
           to a home exercise program and to “follow up . . . on an as-needed basis.” Ex.
           19 at 4.

       •   Between June 6 and October 24, 2019, Petitioner participated in 49 physical
           therapy sessions. Ex. 7; Ex. 12. The note documenting his last visit indicates
           that Petitioner’s pain intensity was stable. Ex. 12 at 4.

       •   Petitioner avers that, as of March 5, 2021, he continues to have “severe pain,
           discomfort, and decreased range of motion” in his right shoulder. Ex. 20 at 1.
           He further notes that, as a result of this pain, he has had difficulty performing
           activities of daily living, caring for his wife (who is a cancer-survivor), and
           walking his two large dogs. Id. at 4. Additionally, Petitioner estimates a 20%
           loss of function in his right shoulder and states that “[a]ny time I try to push my
           shoulder beyond the 80% functionality, I have increased pain, discomfort, and
           soreness for days after.” Id.

       The case record thus establishes that Mr. McCabe experienced a moderate
shoulder injury that was serious enough for arthroscopic surgery to be performed, and for
an extensive course of treatment to be pursued. Mr. McCabe participated in two sessions
of physical therapy (for approximately 80 visits), underwent two steroid injections, and
two MRIs over the course of over two years.

       Despite the consistent treatment history, however, Mr. McCabe clearly did not
obtain treatment after his vaccination until more than a month later, and generally
reported minor-to-moderate levels of pain before undergoing surgery. See e.g., Ex. 3 at
8 (on November 3, 2017 noting “minimal discomfort”); Ex. 6 at 8 (on December 14, 2017
reporting his current pain as a zero on a ten-point scale, but a ten at its worse); Ex. 6 at
111 (on April 23, 2018 rating his current pain as a zero on a ten-point scale, but a four at
its worse). Thus, the initial pain he experienced was not severe enough to prompt
immediate concern – and it never progressed dramatically thereafter.

        Moreover, Mr. McCabe’s post-surgical records suggest that he recovered well and
generally experienced only mild levels of pain with improved functional capacity. See Ex.
5 at 8; (indicating that Petitioner has no pain and that his “motion is returning nicely”); Ex.

                                              14
7 at 44 (rating his current pain as a two on a ten-point scale, but a nine at its worse); Ex.
5 at 6 (finding that Petitioner’s “motion and pain are improving”); Ex. 12 at 12 (reporting
his current pain as a two on a ten-point scale, but a five at its worse). At Mr. McCabe’s
last orthopedic appointment on October 14, 2019, it was noted that he was “feeling
excellent” and was “improving nicely.” Ex. 19 at 4. Although six more weeks of physical
therapy was recommended before transitioning to a home exercise program, Mr. McCabe
was only instructed to follow-up as needed. Petitioner’s last physical therapy appointment
was on October 24, 2019 – at which time it was noted that Petitioner’s pain intensity was
stable. Ex. 12 at 4.

        Another factor that is considered in awarding pain and suffering is the effect that
Petitioner’s shoulder injury has had on his personal and professional life. I note that in his
affidavits, Petitioner describes the impact that his right shoulder injury has had on his
ability to care for his wife, perform duties around his home, and to fulfill his professional
obligations. I give some weight to these contentions, while comparing them to the overall
medical record.

        The circumstances in this case are most analogous to those in Martin and Weed
– cases that were cited by Respondent and which resulted in actual pain and suffering
awards of approximately $100,000.00 to $105,000.00. The Martin petitioner consistently
characterized his pain as mild, and had an excellent recovery following surgery. However,
there was an eighteen-week period where he did not seek any treatment. In Weed,
petitioner’s initial post-vaccination symptoms were severe, but like Mr. McCabe, her
surgical records suggested a strong recovery with mild pain and functional limitations.
Yet, the treatment duration was only around 10 months.

       Under such circumstances, and considering the arguments presented by both
parties, a review of the cited cases, and based on the record as a whole, I find that
$110,000.00 in compensation for past pain and suffering is reasonable and appropriate
in this case. Petitioner’s pain and suffering slightly exceeded that of these two prior
claimants.

        I do not, however, find that a future pain and suffering component is appropriate.
While the record does not allow the conclusion that Petitioner had fully recovered from
his SIRVA after his final orthopedic appointment on October 14, 2019, no further medical
records have been filed, and there is no evidence that Petitioner suffered a permanent
injury, as corroborated by the views or opinions of a treater (a factor which I typically give
great weight when evaluating a request for a future component). Accordingly, Petitioner’s
award shall be limited to past pain and suffering.

                                             15
    IV.     Conclusion

      Based on the record as a whole and arguments of the parties, I award Petitioner
a lump sum payment of $110,000.00, representing compensation for actual pain
and suffering.

        This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available
under Section 15(a). The Clerk of the Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance
with this Decision.7

IT IS SO ORDERED.
                                         s/Brian H. Corcoran
                                         Brian H. Corcoran
                                         Chief Special Master

7
  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.

                                                    16