Diagnosing a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) may require various tests, including an MRI and X-ray, among others. For vaccine recipients concerned about SIRVA, seeking a prompt diagnosis can help reduce the risk of long-term complications. Obtaining a timely diagnosis is also a key first step toward filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) with the help of an experienced vaccine lawyer.

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a medical condition characterized by soft tissue or nerve damage in the shoulder caused by an immunization. SIRVA has several types, and each may require different treatment.

As a result, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is a key first step toward recovery.

A timely, accurate diagnosis is also essential for filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal program that covers medical costs and certain other losses associated with qualifying vaccine-related medical conditions. Vaccine recipients diagnosed with SIRVA can hire a vaccine lawyer to help file a VICP claim at no cost.

How is SIRVA Diagnosed?

Because there are several types of SIRVA, doctors should conduct a comprehensive differential diagnosis focused on pinpointing the specific cause of a vaccine recipient’s symptoms. While most types of SIRVA share many of the same basic symptoms (i.e., pain and limited mobility), different types of SIRVA involve different types of internal trauma.  

As with all aspects of medical care, a patient-specific approach is essential when diagnosing a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). With this in mind, some examples of potential diagnostic measures include:

Physical Examination

A physical examination is often the first step in the differential diagnosis when a vaccine recipient presents with SIRVA symptoms. This involves assessing the vaccine recipient’s strength and range of motion, as well as pinpointing the location of any tenderness or pain.

Clinical History Review

Reviewing a vaccine recipient’s clinical history is an important early step. If a vaccine recipient has a history of shoulder problems, this requires adequate consideration. Conversely, if a vaccine recipient has no history of shoulder problems, this more strongly suggests a recent injury.  

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can be used to locate inflammation or fluid buildup in the shoulder. Both can help narrow down a vaccine recipient’s specific SIRVA diagnosis. For example, fluid buildup in the shoulder often indicates bursitis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows doctors to get a detailed view of a vaccine recipient’s soft tissue, including the bursae, ligaments, and tendons in the shoulder. In cases of SIRVA involving soft tissue damage, identifying the specific location of the damage and the specific bursa, ligament, or tendon affected can point to a specific diagnosis.

X-Ray Imaging

While X-ray imaging generally is not effective for identifying shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), it can help rule out other potential diagnoses. As a result, when doctors are not confident that an injury is related to vaccine administration, they may order an X-ray as part of the differential diagnosis process.

Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)

A doctor may order a nerve conduction study (NCS) if he or she suspects that a patient’s symptoms are related to nerve damage. While this is relatively uncommon with SIRVA, it is a possibility. Like using X-rays to rule out other diagnoses, doctors may use NCS to rule out non-SIRVA diagnoses as well.

Electromyography (EMG)

Doctors may also use electromyography (EMG) to rule out possible nerve conditions that are unrelated to trauma caused by a vaccination error. Ultimately, even if a test does not confirm a vaccine recipient’s diagnosis, it can still help doctors reach an informed conclusion about the vaccine recipient’s treatment needs.

What Should Vaccine Recipients Do After Receiving a SIRVA Diagnosis?

Vaccine recipients diagnosed with a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) may be eligible for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP covers eligible claimants’ SIRVA-related medical expenses. It also provides compensation for eligible claimants’ lost earnings and their pain and suffering.

Because the costs associated with a SIRVA diagnosis can be substantial, vaccine recipients diagnosed with SIRVA should determine whether they are eligible to file a VICP claim. With this in mind, in this situation it is important to:

1. Keep All Vaccination Records, Medical Records and Other Relevant Documentation

Filing a VICP claim requires several forms of documentation. This includes documentation of the claimant’s vaccination and SIRVA diagnosis, as well as documentation of the losses that the claimant is entitled to recover. With this in mind, vaccine recipients who have questions about filing a VICP claim should do their best to keep all relevant records, including:

  • Vaccination records
  • Medical records
  • Employment records
  • Medical bills and receipts
  • A “pain journal” summarizing the daily effects of their injury

A vaccine lawyer can help gather all necessary documentation and advise on what to include in a vaccine recipient’s “pain journal.” If needed, a vaccine lawyer can engage a medical expert to document the link between a claimant’s vaccination and their shoulder injury, and other experts as needed.

2. Learn More About the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)

While the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) covers the annual flu shot and most other common vaccines, it does not cover all vaccines. Additionally, strict deadlines and other eligibility criteria apply.

With this in mind, vaccine recipients who have questions about seeking compensation for SIRVA should learn more about the VICP. This article provides an overview of the program: What the Government Wants Vaccine Recipients to Know about the VICP.

3. Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Vaccine Lawyer

Filing a VICP claim is complicated, and claimants must seek the full compensation to which they are legally entitled. With this in mind, it is strongly recommended to work with an experienced vaccine lawyer from the outset of the process. Vaccine recipients do not pay for their legal representation when pursuing compensation under the VICP. Instead, the VICP pays claimants’ legal fees separately from their compensation awards—ensuring that claimants receive 100 percent of the funds recovered in successful cases.

FAQs: Filing a Claim for a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)

What is SIRVA?

SIRVA stands for “shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.” More specifically, it refers to what you may experience in your shoulder after vaccination and includes issues beyond normal redness, swelling, or soreness from the needle. SIRVA can involve intense, prolonged pain, limited range of motion, and other shoulder-related injuries.  

What should vaccine recipients do if they have concerns about SIRVA?

Vaccine recipients who have concerns about a possible shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) should seek a diagnosis promptly. Those diagnosed with SIRVA should also promptly consult an experienced vaccine lawyer about their legal rights. In this scenario, it may be possible to file a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).

When is SIRVA covered under the VICP?

A shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) may be covered under the VICP if: (i) it is related to an immunization listed on the Vaccine Injury Table; (ii) symptoms onset within 48 hours of vaccination and last for at least six months; and (iii) the vaccine recipient files a claim within three years of the onset of symptoms. An experienced vaccine lawyer can help assess a vaccine recipient’s eligibility.

What compensation is available in SIRVA claims under the VICP?

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) covers eligible claimants’ medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering resulting from their vaccine-related diagnoses. Compensation for medical expenses and lost income is uncapped, while compensation for pain and suffering is capped at $250,000.

How Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates Can Help

Our firm helps vaccine recipients seek compensation for all types of vaccine-related medical conditions under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This includes seeking compensation for shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA).

We provide free initial consultations, and we handle all VICP claims at no cost to our clients. All of our attorneys have extensive experience handling VICP claims, and we are equally comfortable negotiating settlements and taking our clients’ claims to court. We take a custom-tailored approach to every case we handle, working closely with our clients to help ensure we seek the full compensation to which each client is legally entitled.

Discuss Your Claim with an Experienced Vaccine Lawyer for Free

If you have been diagnosed with a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) and want to know whether you are eligible to file a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), we invite you to get in touch. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced vaccine lawyer at Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates, call us at 202-775-9200 or contact us online today.