Background
William Olaschinez petitioned for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on December 19, 2025. He alleged that an influenza vaccination administered on January 4, 2024, caused a left-sided shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, or SIRVA.
The case was assigned to the Office of Special Masters’ Special Processing Unit. Olaschinez also alleged that the injury’s residual effects lasted more than six months, as required for compensation under the Vaccine Act.
The Court’s Holding
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found Olaschinez entitled to compensation. The ruling followed the Secretary’s Rule 4(c) concession that the record satisfied the requirements for a Table SIRVA claim.
The Secretary agreed that Olaschinez had no pre-vaccination left-shoulder pain, inflammation, or dysfunction explaining his later symptoms; that shoulder pain began within 48 hours of the intramuscular flu vaccination; that pain and reduced range of motion were confined to the vaccinated side; and that no alternative condition adequately explained the symptoms. The Secretary also agreed that the residual effects persisted for more than six months.
Key Takeaways
- The court found the petitioner entitled to Vaccine Act compensation for left-sided SIRVA after an influenza vaccination.
- The Secretary conceded that the record met the SIRVA criteria and the Vaccine Act’s duration requirement.
- The entitlement ruling does not set the amount of compensation.
Why It Matters
The decision illustrates the record features supporting an uncontested SIRVA claim: no relevant pre-vaccination shoulder condition, symptoms beginning within 48 hours, symptoms localized to the vaccinated shoulder, no adequate alternative explanation, and residual effects lasting more than six months.