Boedeker v. Secretary of Health and Human Services

• Court: United States Court of Federal Claims
• Decided: November 13, 2025
• Docket: 22-1510V
• Status: Unpublished

Opinion

In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1510V

SHEILA BOEDEKER, Chief Special Master Corcoran

Petitioner, Filed: October 7, 2025 v.

SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,

Respondent.

Kathleen Margaret Loucks, Lommen Abdo Law Firm, Minneapolis, MN, for Petitioner.

Ryan Nelson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.

DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1

On October 13, 2022, Sheila Boedeker filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”), which she amended on June 16, 2023. Petitioner alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) resulting from an influenza (“flu”) vaccine received on October 14, 2019. Amended Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed June 5, 2025, at ¶¶ 2-4. Petitioner further alleges that the flu vaccine was administered in the United States, she suffered residual effects of her alleged injury for more than six months, and there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition. Amended Petition at preamble, ¶¶ 8-15; Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-5. “Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the flu vaccine caused her alleged shoulder injury or any other injury or condition; and denies that her current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.” Stipulation at ¶ 6.

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). Nevertheless, on June 5, 2025, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. On June 5, 2025, I issued a decision finding the stipulation reasonable and adopting it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein (ECF No. 61). Judgment was entered on July 9, 2025 (ECF No. 63).

On October 3, 2025, Petitioner filed a joint motion to revise the judgment (ECF No. 65). Petitioner explained that Respondent issued a Medicaid reimbursement check to Prime West Health as directed in the June 5, 2025 decision and July 9, 2025 judgment. The parties were then advised that the check should instead have been made payable to South Country Health Alliance, with the subrogation check being voided and returned to Respondent. The parties jointly requested that the judgment be modified to direct Respondent to issue a new check made payable to South Country Health Alliance. On October 7, 2025, I granted the motion for relief from judgment (ECF No. 66).

Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation and October 7, 2025 order granting relief from judgment, I award the following compensation:

A. A lump sum of $52,000.00, to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner; and

B. A lump sum of $7,187.30, representing reimbursement of a Medicaid lien for services rendered to Petitioner by the State of Minnesota, in the form of a check payable jointly to Petitioner and:

South Country Health Alliance 3905 Dakota Street Alexandria, MN 56308 Subscriber ID: G0304392901 Reference: Sheila Boedeker

Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to South Country Health Alliance.

Stipulation at ¶ 8; October 7, 2025 Order Granting Relief from Judgment. These amounts represent compensation for all items of damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Id.

I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3

IT IS SO ORDERED.

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 s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master

3 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

SHEILA BOEDEKER, * * Petitioner, • No. 22-1S10V • Chief Special Master Corcoran V. * ECF * SECRETARY OF HEAL TH AND • HUMAN SERVICES, * * Respondent. *

STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:

1. Sheila Boedeker ("petitioner") filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 to 34 (the "Vaccine

Program"). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt

of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the

"Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3 (a).

2. Petitioner received a flu vaccine on October 14, 2019.

3. This vaccine was administered within the United States.

4. Petitioner alleges that she sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine

administration ("SIRVA") within the time period set forth in the Table. She further alleges that

she has experienced residual effects of her alleged injury for more than six months.

5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil

action for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the

flu vaccine caused her alleged shoulder injury or any other injury or condition; and denies that

her current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.

7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that

the issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the

compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation.

8. As soon as practicable after an entry ofjudgment reflecting a decision consistent

with the tenns of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive

compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Human

Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payments:

A. A lump sum of$52,000.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner' s counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner; and

B. A lump sum of $7,187.30, 1 representing reimbursement of a Medicaid lien for services rendered to petitioner by the State of Minnesota, in the fonn of a check payable jointly to petitioner and:

PrimeWest Health Subrogation Department 3905 Dakota Street Alexandria, MN 56308 Ref.: Sheila Boedeker

Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to PrimeWest Health.

These amounts represent compensation fo r all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C.

§ 300aa-15(a).

1 This amount represents full satisfaction of any right of subrogation, assignment, claim, lien, or cause of action the State of Minnesota may have against any individual as a result of any Medicaid pa)ments PrimeWest Health has made to or on behalf of Sheila Boedeker as a result of her alleged vaccine-related injury suffered on or about October 14, 2019, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act,~ 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), (h).

2 9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofjudgment on entitlement in this case, and

after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to

42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(l), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings

before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in proceeding

upon this petition.

10. Petitioner and her attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to

this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable

wider 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- 15(g), to the extent that payment bas been made or can reasonably be

expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or

State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.

§ 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis.

11. Payments made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amowits awarded pursuant to

paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i), subject

to the availability of sufficient statutory funds.

12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any

award for attorneys· fees, and litigation costs, and past wucimbursablc expenses, the money

provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as

contemplated by a strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l5(a) and (d), and subject to the

conditions of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g) and (h).

13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her

individual capacity and on behalf of her heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns,

does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and

the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action

3 (including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands

of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely

brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation

Program, 42 U .S.C. § 300aa-l 0 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all

known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting

from, or alleged to have resulted from, the flu vaccination administered on October 14, 2019, as

alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about October 13, 2022,

and an amended petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about June 16, 2023, in the United

States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 22-lSI0V.

14. If petitioner should die prior to entry ofjudgment, this agreement shall be

voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties.

15. If the special master fails to issut: a.uec.:isiuu iu cumplelt: conformity with the

tenns of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fail s to enter judgment in confonnity

with a decision that is in complete confonnity with the tenns of this Stipulation, then the parties'

settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party.

16. This Stipulativi1 c:.:.picsscs a full and compktc negotiated settlement ofliability

and damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended,

except as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of

the parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly

stated and clearly agreed to. TI1e parties further agree and understand that the award described in

this Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties' respective positions as to liability and/or

amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the

items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement.

4 17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the

Secretary of Health and Human Services that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; that the

flu vaccine caused any other injury; or that her current oondition is a sequela of a vaccine-related

injury.

18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to

petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns.

END OF STJPULATION Respectfully submitted,

PETITIONER:

ATTORNEY OF RECORD AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FOR PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL:

KATHLEEN M. LOUCKS ~ ~~F~ L01\1MP.N ABDO. P A . Deputy Di r,:ct<" 920 Second Avenue South, Torts Branch Suite 1000 Civil Division Minneapolis, MN 55402 U.S. Department of Justice Tel: (612) 336-9348 P.O. Box 146 Email: kloucks@lommen.com Benjamin Franklin Station Washington. DC 20044-0146

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDE AND HUMAN SERVICES: Dlgltallyslgnedl7;Jeffrey Jeffrey S. S. Beach•S Beach -S -o4•oo· Oate:2025.05.2815:13:42 tor r • p,r.-rrnr;r rrrn GPT'!fS: :\ff'i_ ~.,:pq Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division Health Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice Administration P.O. Box 146 U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station ::ip, J H um,in Servii;:P.<: W :111h inr.t"n Dr "fl()tl 11 - " 1 ,1~ 5600 Fishers Lane, 08W-25A Tel: 202-616-4027 Rockville, MD 20857 Email: ryan.nelson3@usdoj.gov

b-- S--'2.tJlf In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1510V

Kathleen Margaret Loucks, Lommen Abdo Law Firm, Minneapolis, MN, for Petitioner.

Ryan Nelson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.

ORDER GRANTING RELIEF FROM JUDGMENT1

On October 13, 2022, Sheila Boedeker filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”), which she amended on June 16, 2023. Petitioner alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) resulting from an influenza vaccine received on October 14, 2019. Amended Petition at 1. On June 5, 2025, Respondent filed a stipulation (ECF No. 60). On the same day, I issued a decision on the joint stipulation (ECF No. 61), and judgment was entered on July 9, 2025 (ECF No. 63). On October 3, 2025, Petitioner filed a joint motion to revise the judgment (ECF No. 65).

1 Because this order 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 order 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). I. Applicable Legal Standards

Under Vaccine Rule 36, Appendix B, a party may seek relief from judgment pursuant to Rule 59, 60(a) or 60(b) of the RCFC. Although Petitioner indicated on CM/ECF that she seeks relief pursuant to RCFC 59(e), that rule limits such motions to “no later than 28 days after the entry of judgment,” and thus it is not appropriate in this case. However, RCFC 60(b) delineates five specific circumstances for relief, plus a catch- all permitting a party to obtain modification of a decision based upon “any other reason that justifies relief.” RCFC 60(b)(6). Such a motion must be made “within a reasonable time.” RCFC 60(c).

The Federal Circuit has described Rule 60(b) as a “remedial provision . . . to be ‘liberally construed for the purpose of doing substantial justice.” Patton v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 25 F.3d 1021, 1030 (Fed. Cir. 1994). Special masters have discretion regarding whether to grant relief under Rule 60(b) and may weigh equitable considerations in the exercise of its discretion. McCray v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 11-567V, 2014 WL 2858593, at *1 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 29, 2014) (citing CNA Corp. v. United States, 83 Fed. Cl. 1, 7-8 (2008)).

II. Petitioner’s Motion for Relief from Judgment Petitioner states that Respondent issued a Medicaid reimbursement check to Prime West Health as directed in the June 5, 2025 decision and July 9, 2025 judgment. Petitioner’s Joint Motion to Revise Judgment (ECF No. 65). The parties were then advised that the check should instead have been made payable to South Country Health Alliance. The check was voided and returned to Respondent. The parties now jointly request that the judgment be modified to direct Respondent to issue a new check made payable to: South Country Health Alliance 3905 Dakota Street Alexandria, MN 56308 Subscriber ID: G0304392901 Reference: Sheila Boedeker

Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to South Country Health Alliance.

III. Analysis Petitioner has demonstrated entitlement to relief pursuant to RCFC 60(b). The motion was made within a reasonable time, and is filed for the purpose of ensuring that the Medicaid lien is properly reimbursed as directed in the decision and judgment. Therefore, I GRANT the motion.

2 Conclusion

In light of the foregoing, the Clerk of the Court is hereby instructed to VACATE the judgment entered on July 9, 2025 (ECF No. 63) and WITHDRAW the Decision issued on June 5, 2025 (ECF No. 61). A decision will be issued separately with the corrected information.

Any questions about this order or about this case generally may be directed to OSM staff attorney Eileen Vachher at (202) 357-6388 or Eileen_Vachher@cfc.uscourts.gov.

s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master