About Cigna (Life Insurance Company of North America)
Cigna's disability insurance operations are conducted primarily through Life Insurance Company of North America (LINA), which administers group disability plans for large employers across the country.
In Washington and Oregon, Cigna covers workers in technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and a wide range of other industries — often as the insurer behind major employer-sponsored benefit packages.
In 2013, Cigna entered into a $77 million multi-state settlement related to allegations that it had improperly denied and delayed thousands of legitimate disability claims.
It has continued to face litigation related to its claims practices since.
How Cigna Denies Disability Claims
Cigna disability denials are well-documented in disability litigation and follow patterns that experienced attorneys recognize. Common Cigna denial strategies include:
- Ignoring or dismissing the opinions of treating physicians in favor of in-house or contracted medical reviewers
- Applying the any-occupation definition broadly to terminate benefits at the 24-month transition
- Using vocational reviews that identify job alternatives without accounting for the claimant's actual education, age, and work history
- Mental health limitation clauses applied to conditions with a physical basis
- Conducting paper-only reviews — with no physical examination of the claimant — to support denial decisions
- Surveillance and social media review used to challenge claimed functional limitations
- Delay tactics involving repeated requests for documentation that is already in the claim file
Cigna's claims organization is large, experienced, and focused on minimizing payouts. An attorney who understands how Cigna approaches these disputes gives claimants a significantly better chance at a successful appeal.
How Cowell Law Fights Cigna Disability Denials
Cowell Law reviews Cigna denials by obtaining the full LINA/Cigna claim file and analyzing the medical and vocational reasoning the insurer used to reach its decision. We identify where the insurer's conclusions are inconsistent with your medical record and prepare a complete, targeted appeal that responds to each denial reason with appropriate evidence.
We handle Cigna disability appeals under ERISA for employer-sponsored group plans and are prepared to take Cigna cases to federal court when appeals are unsuccessful. If Cigna has denied your claim after a course of treatment that your physicians support, that denial deserves to be challenged.
Our Claim Clarity Process™
- Schedule a Clarity Call — We review your policy, your denial, and your situation and explain what your options are.
- Build Your Strategy — We analyze the policy language, gather supporting documentation, and prepare a targeted response to the insurer.
- Move Forward — Whether through appeal, negotiation, or litigation, we represent you through every stage until your case is resolved.
Individual disability insurance cases require a different approach than some claims — and we have the experience to navigate that distinction on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cigna Disability Denials
What is LINA and why is it on my Cigna denial letter?
Life Insurance Company of North America (LINA) is a Cigna subsidiary that administers group disability insurance claims. Many claimants are surprised to see LINA listed on denial letters from what they believed was a Cigna policy. Both names refer to the same operating entity for disability claims purposes, and both are subject to the same ERISA framework that governs employer-sponsored plans.
Cigna says I can work in a sedentary job. How do I challenge that?
Vocational conclusions from Cigna — typically contained in a Transferable Skills Analysis or similar review — can be challenged on multiple grounds: the job alternatives identified may not exist in your local market at the required salary, may require skills or credentials you do not have, or may be physically or cognitively incompatible with your documented limitations. An attorney helps you build the vocational and medical record needed to challenge those conclusions effectively.
Does Cigna offer a second level of appeal?
Under ERISA, Cigna typically allows one mandatory appeal. Some plans may allow a voluntary second appeal, but filing a voluntary appeal is a strategic decision that requires careful consideration — it can affect your litigation timeline and rights. Talk to an attorney before filing any additional appeal beyond what is required.
See other insurance companies that we litigate against: Unum, The Hartford, Lincoln Financial Group, The Standard (Standard Insurance Company), Cigna (Life Insurance Company of North America), MetLife, Principal Financial Group, Mutual of Omaha, Sun Life Financial, Northwestern Mutual