Cigna again reinstates claim of Archdiocese of Baltimore Registered Nurse thanks to Appeal by Dell Disability Lawyers

A Registered Nurse was initially forced to stop working in 2013 due to various conditions, including: enthesopathy in the hip region, lumbago, myalgia/myositis, lumbar spondylosis, lumbar degenerative disc disease, lumbar facet syndrome, and chronic pain syndrome. When the pain from her multiple medical conditions left her unable to work, the RN immediately applied to Cigna for STD benefits, but was initially denied. At that time, Cigna claimed there was insufficient evidence to support her disability, noting a lack of objective medical evidence and diagnostic tests to support her claim.

Unfortunately, the former RN was unable to work and knew Cigna’s conclusion was wrong. Dismayed her claim was denied and confused by Cigna’s rationale for denying her claim, she decided to find assistance with her claim and found Attorney Alexander Palamara of Dell Disability Lawyers. The former RN made the right decision, because Cigna’s denial of her STD claim would only be the first of many denials of the RN’s claims for disability benefits despite worsening medical conditions and additional diagnoses of systemic lupus erythematosus and peripheral vascular disease.

Dell Disability Lawyers Gets Involved

After reviewing Cigna’s claim file and speaking with the former RN, it was clear that not only had Cigna improperly denied her STD benefits, but that her claim for LTD would likely be improperly denied despite sufficient medical evidence to support the former RN’s claims for both STD and LTD benefits. As anticipated, the former RN’s LTD benefits were denied in May of 2014.

The claim files regarding the STD and LTD benefits from Cigna were ordered, as well as the updated records from our now client’s treating physicians. After compiling and reviewing all the necessary information, it was clear that benefits should be reapproved since our client had overwhelming support from her primary care physician and supportive diagnostic studies. To provide additional support to Cigna of her claims, the former RN also underwent a Functional Capacity Evaluation. Two appeals were then filed on behalf of the former RN, one for STD benefits and one for LTD benefits. The appeals focused on the objective medical evidence which supported the existence of our client’s medical conditions, but also critiqued Cigna’s failure to obtain any type of objective medical opinion regarding our client’s conditions and highlighted the improper standards used by Cigna to justify its denials.

As a result of the STD appeal, Cigna overturned its denial and STD benefits were paid in full. As a result of the LTD appeal, Cigna also overturned its denial and commenced payment of LTD benefits. However, the work was not over for Attorney Palamara since it was clear our client would not be returning to work and it was likely Cigna would make another attempt to deny the claim for LTD benefits.

Once again, as anticipated, in July of 2016 Cigna notified the former RN and Attorney Palamara that the claim was approaching the “change in definition” date under the policy and her claim was being reevaluated to determine whether the former RN was capable of performing “any occupation” instead of her “own occupation.”

Despite providing updated medical information and all necessary paperwork to Cigna, Cigna once again denied LTD benefits to the former RN. However, in support of the denial after the change in definition of disability, Cigna had the former RN undergo an independent medical evaluation, making the denial more difficult to overcome.

Despite Cigna being able to rely on the results of the IME in support of its denial, Attorney Palamara diligently reviewed all the updated medical information and claim file to find the medical records revealed consistent exam findings which supported the former RN’s credible complaints of severe, refractory pain. The results of Cigna’s IME also showed the RN was credible. Attorney Palamara highlighted the records evidencing subjective complaints and argued they must be considered in evaluating disability. Attorney Palamara also argued a claimant cannot be required to produce “objective” evidence or measures with regard to pain complaints.

This first appeal after Cigna’s denial due to the change in definition of disability was denied. In its second denial letter Cigna relied upon the review by one of its in house Medical Directors and concluded a review of the medical information on file failed to provide a physical impairment or clinical findings indicative of a functional loss to preclude the former RN from performing the duties of any occupation.

Attorney Palamara once again obtained updated medical information from our client’s treating physicians and reviewed Cigna’s claim file. Upon review of all updated information, It was clear Cigna did a poor job in relying upon the opinion of its medical director, who was advised by our client’s treating physician that she is unable to work due to chronic pain and the side effects from prescribed pain medication. The medical director did not provide any explanation for ignoring the information from our client’s treating physician, but merely cited to a lack of consistent or credible medical documentation to support functional limitations due to narcotic pain medication, consistent findings of normal mental status, and a lack of consistent side effects noted from the pain medication. The medical director’s opinion was clearly false or misleading based upon a review of the medical records.

A second appeal was filed and three months later, Cigna overturned its denial. Although our client endured numerous denials by Cigna, she is now happy to be receiving benefits once again. Attorney Palamara continues to represent our client to best ensure that Cigna will not terminate benefits once again.

Feel free to call our disability attorneys for a free consultation on this or any matter relevant to your disability claim.


Did you find this helpful?
Unhelpful (0)

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Disability Benefit Denial Options
Submit a Strong Cigna Appeal Package

We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong Cigna appeal.

Learn more

Sue Cigna

We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide against Cigna.

Learn more

Protect Your Benefits
Get Your Cigna Disability Application Approved
We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

Learn more

Prevent a Cigna Disability Benefit Denial
We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.

Learn more

Negotiate a Cigna Lump-Sum Settlement

Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.

Learn more

Cigna Reviews
(642)

Policy Holder Rating

0 out of 5
0
Read 0 reviews
0would recommend
5
0%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Timely Payments
0.0out of 5
Handling Claim
0.0out of 5
Customer Service
0.0out of 5
Dependable
0.0out of 5
Value
0.0out of 5
Showing 8 of 642 Reviews
Sedgwick

AT&T Was Great and Sedgwick Horrible

Reviewed by From a great job to a complete nightmare on March 20th 2024   Verified Policyholder | March 2024 date of disability
My Physician recommended that I take some time from a toxic environment after several deaths in my family coupled with AT&T trying to run tenured employees out of the door... read more >
New York Life

Keeps claiming they will not approve claim for pre existing conditions but my illness is not preexisting

Reviewed by M.T. on February 15th 2024   Verified Policyholder | May 2023 date of disability
I have been appealing a claim for LTD for 8 months! New York Life keeps claiming they will not approve claim for pre existing conditions but my illness is not preexisting ... read more >
Reliance Standard

Staff Lie

Reviewed by Tanya on February 12th 2024   Verified Policyholder | August 2021 date of disability
I had my disability cut off the day I was scheduled to find out whether I should have surgery. The claims examiner was aware that I had an appointment on that date and sai... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 12th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

I am sorry to hear about your experience. It’s crazy that Reliance Standard would deny your disability benefits when you are suffering so badly that you need surgery.... read more >

Hartford

Former Hartford employee has had life insurance and accidental death policy's revoked for one late premium payment

Reviewed by Becky H. THOMAS on February 12th 2024   Verified Policyholder | February 2024 date of disability
Dislike how they are constantly interrupting the lives of their disabled EE's whom are entitled to benefit which they paid into out of there pay check every pay period onl... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 12th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Thank you for your review of Hartford and we appreciate you sharing.  It’s sad they don’t take care of their own employees.

Lincoln Financial

Never received benefits my entire leave - or help with them

Reviewed by Anna on December 19th 2023   Verified Policyholder | November 2023 date of disability
I used my short term disability insurance for maternity leave and started the process beforehand knowing when I would be out (scheduled induction.) It took a little over a... read more >
Sun Life

Unscrupulous Tactics

Reviewed by Misseekayy on December 19th 2023   Verified Policyholder | May 2023 date of disability
Sunlife uses unscrupulous tactics in order to prevent payment of claims. They wait until it is close to the 30 day mark and then they ask for another form of information o... read more >
Sedgwick

Lame

Reviewed by Dennis T. on December 11th 2023   Verified Policyholder | March 2022 date of disability
My experience with Sedgwick and personell is as follows: Unhelpful, unprofessional and an overall unpleasant experience.
Unum

Low payments

Reviewed by Dorothy on November 30th 2023   Verified Policyholder | November 2023 date of disability
I was injured at work. I did house keeping in a hospital. I tore just about everything imaginable in my knee. I was let go from my job, because I was no longer able to do ... read more >
Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(70)
Showing 8 of 70 Answered Questions

Q: Why can Cigna get away with not paying me anything for my disability?

Answered on November 6th 2022 by Attorney Jay Symonds
A: Barbara: It sounds like you have a complex situation. Unfortunately, it also sounds like you had legal represe... Read More >

Q: Do I have to be an active employee to apply for LTD?

Answered on October 27th 2022 by Attorney Steven Dell
A: Lori: Generally speaking, if out on claim and a new/different disability arises you can add that to your exist... Read More >

Q: Can Cigna refuse to give me a copy of my short term disability policy?

Answered on September 2nd 2022 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Dave, since the policyholder is your employer CIGNA can refuse to provide it to you. You should contact your e... Read More >

Q: Is my plan governed by ERISA?

Answered on October 9th 2020 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: LeRoy, we will have to review the policy in order to give an opinion as to whether it would be governed by ERI... Read More >

Q: Can I add a physical disability claim to my mental health one without seeing a doctor (hard to get an appointment with COVID)?

Answered on April 14th 2020 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Heather, the only way to effectively include your physical disability claim is to see a physician qualified to... Read More >

Q: Do you handle CIGNA cases in Florida?

Answered on February 12th 2020 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: Vito, yes. We absolutely do handle Cigna cases in Florida. Please email me at Rachel@diattorney.com and send... Read More >

Q: How can Cigna get away with not answering my calls?

Answered on July 22nd 2019 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Carol, knowing Cigna it sounds like they are approving your claim on appeal for a closed period of time and th... Read More >

Q: Do you handle closed cases only, or open ones as well?

Answered on May 10th 2019 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Renee, we handle all types of open claims with Cigna – applications, claims handling, appeals, lawsuits, buy... Read More >
Helpful Videos
(888)
Showing 12 of 888 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
(330)
Showing 8 of 330 Benefit Tips

Is Cigna Seeking To Offset Disability Benefit by Social Security Survivor Benefit?

I recently spoke with a gentleman who called into our office who has been receiving long term disability benefits from Cigna for several years... Read More >

Is Cigna's Denial of Your Appeal Really a Denial?

Following the submission of your appeal has Cigna sent you a letter stating that after review of the information provided on appeal their deci... Read More >

What Should a Claimant Expect When Suing Cigna or any Other Disability Company for Long Term Disability Benefits?

ERISA disability lawsuits are complicated due to the pro-insurance company laws. Our disabili... Read More >

Are Cigna Short Term Disability Denials on the Rise?

When it comes to claims for short term disability benefits under ERISA governed group policies, more often than not the short term disability ... Read More >

Cigna's latest strategies for handling and denying disability benefit claims

Watch Gregory Dell and Stephen Jessup discuss Cigna's latest strategy for handling disability... Read More >

Is a Claimant's Complaints of Pain Enough to Qualify for Short or Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits?

The answer to this question applies to the vast majority of long term disability insurance claims that we handle on a daily basis. Pain is sub... Read More >

Is My Insurance Company Allowed to Take An Offset of My Monthly LTD Benefit for Social Security Benefits My Kids Receive As A Result of My Disability?

It is common practice for insurance companies to find ways to limit the amount of money they have to pay to claimants. If you are receiving lo... Read More >

Is My "No-Fault" Auto Insurance Settlement an Offset Under My Long Term Disability Insurance Policy?

If your policy is an employer provided group disability policy governed by ERISA, then any proceeds you receive from a settlement based on "No... Read More >
Dell Disability Cases
(375)
Showing 8 of 375 Dell Disability Cases

Cigna Sued For Failing To Make A Timely Decision on Appeal

If your disability insurance claim has ever been denied you will have received a formal denial letter from your insurance carrier in which you... Read More >

CIGNA Overturns a Waiver of Premium for Group Life Insurance Policy

In early 2019, the widow of a decease man contacted our firm as she was troubled by the actions of CIGNA, also known as Life Insurance Company... Read More >

Cigna Admits Error In Denying Disability Benefits

Our client, a former school teacher, suffering from multiple severe medical conditions including autonomic nervous system damage, small fiber ... Read More >

CIGNA Overturned Their Denial of LTD Benefits for Nevada Healthcare Coordinator

Our client, Ms. G, formerly worked as a Healthcare Coordinator for a large regional healthcare provider. For many years Ms. G suffered from ch... Read More >

CIGNA Denies Technology Manager under the Own Occupation Provision & Dell Disability Lawyers Wins Appeal

Our client, Mr. N, formerly worked as a Technology Manager / Vice President for a large bank. For many years Mr. N suffered from chronic debil... Read More >

CIGNA overturned previous denial of waiver of life insurance premiums

Our client was the husband and beneficiary of Ms. S, who formerly worked as a registered nurse for a regional Healthcare System. In January 20... Read More >

Dell Disability Lawyers successfully appeal denial of benefits to claimant with CRPS/RSD

Ms. S contacted our firm after receiving a letter from her disability carrier, Cigna, denying her claim for short term disability benefits und... Read More >

LINA overturned its previous LTD denial for Medical Technologist

Our client, Ms. H, formerly worked as a Medical Technologist for a National Clinical Laboratory. In July 2017 a number of medical issues, incl... Read More >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
(765)
Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

Cigna Denial of LTD Benefits for Schlumberger Shop Manager Upheld

In Jerry Courville v. Life Insurance Co of North America (LINA), Plaintiff was employed as a shop manager for Schlum... Read More >

Missouri Court Rules Cigna Wrongfully Terminated Disability Benefits

In the case of Lapidus vs. Life Ins. Co. of N. Am. a Missouri federal court ruled against Cigna finding that Cigna wrongfully terminated long ... Read More >

Missouri Court Orders Cigna to Pay LTD Benefits to Medical Sales Executive

The Plaintiff in this case was vice-president of Medical Benefits at BJC Healthcare when a severe back condition required her to have a spinal... Read More >

Cigna's Termination of Disability Benefits was Arbitrary and Capricious

The case of Lani Kyle Moar v. Cigna Corporation, et al., demonstrates the lengths insurance companies will go to avoid paying long term disabi... Read More >

Court Criticizes Lina For Failing to Perform Independent Examination

Disability Insurance companies are criticized often for failing to perform independent medical evaluations and instead relying exclusively on ... Read More >

Lockheed Martin Systems Integration Analyst Wins Long-term Disability Lawsuit against CIGNA

Cal Van Steen had been employed as a Systems Integration Business Analyst at Lockheed Martin Corporation and participated in the company’s g... Read More >

Colorado District Court overturns denial of benefits by Life Insurance Company of North America

In Johnson v. Life Insurance Company of America, a Colorado District Court ruled in favor of the claimant finding LINA’s decision unsupporte... Read More >

Texas Judge Disagrees with Cigna and Applies Claimant Friendly Disability Standard of Review

In Brasseur v. Life Insurance Company of America (LINA), Plaintiff Wilfred Brasseur, a computer engineer, worked in the Houston office of Chic... Read More >

Reviews from Our Clients

Request a Free Consultation

Our Lawyers Respond Same Day

5 Ways We Help Get Your Benefits Paid

Get Your Disability Application Approved

Our goal is to get your application for disability income benefits approved. Applying for disability benefits can be a difficult process and the information you provide is critical. Most disability insurance companies look at your application in hopes of finding a reason to deny your claim. Your disability company will ask you to complete numerous forms, interview you, request lots of information, speak with your doctors and possibly request to have you examined by their "hired gun" doctor.

Through our experience of having helped thousands of disability insurance claimants, our lawyers will guide you through the entire application process and give you the best chance to get your disability claim approved the first time.

Submit A Strong Appeal Package

If your disability insurance benefits have been wrongfully denied, then our lawyers know exactly what it takes to get your disability claim approved. You only get once chance to submit an Appeal, therefore every piece of evidence that will support your disability claim must be included. The goal is to win your disability benefits at the Appeal level, but while preparing your Appeal you must consider how a federal judge will review your disability claim if your benefit denial is upheld.

Preparing a strong disability appeal package is an art that requires you to understand how the courts interpret your disability policy language, ERISA regulations / laws, and how to strategically present evidence in support of your definition of "disability". We encourage you to contact any of our lawyers for a free immediate review of your disability denial.

Sue Your Disability Company

98% of the disability insurance lawsuits filed by our law firm have resulted in either the payment of benefits or a lump-sum settlement agreement. Our disability lawyers have filed ERISA governed and private policy long term disability insurance lawsuits against every major disability insurance company in state and federal courts nationwide and we love fighting for the "little guy" against the multi-billion dollar insurance company giants.

We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and we would like the opportunity to provide you with a free review of your disability benefit denial. There are many complex factors in a disability benefit lawsuit and the legal battle to win long term disability benefits can be fierce.

Prevent A Disability Benefit Denial

Approval of long-term disability is a continuous process as every disability insurance company will evaluate your eligibility for benefits on a monthly basis. You can never let your guard down and assume that your disability company will continue to pay your benefits for as long as you think you need them.

Our law firm offers a reasonable flat fee monthly claim handling service in which we handle every aspect of your long-term disability claim and do whatever it takes to make sure you are paid every month.

Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement

Let's discuss if a lump-sum settlement or buyout of your disability insurance claim is both available and makes financial sense for you. Our lawyers have negotiated more than five-hundred million dollars in disability insurance buyouts and we know how to get you a maximum settlement. A disability insurance company is not required to offer a buyout and not every disability company offers them.

Questions About Hiring Us

Who are Dell Disability Lawyers?

We are disability insurance lawyers that know how to get your short or long term disability benefits paid. As a nationwide law firm we have helped thousands of disability insurance claimants throughout the United States to collect hundreds of millions of dollars of disability insurance benefits from every major disability insurance company.

In more than 98% of our cases, our lawyers have been able to either get our clients paid monthly disability benefits or obtain a one-time lump-sum settlement. Our lawyers have seen it all when it comes to disability insurance claims and we know exactly what it takes for your disability claim to be approved.

We welcome you to contact any of our attorneys for a free immediate review of your disability claim. We also invite you to visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we have more than 700 videos and regularly provide tips to help protect your disability benefits.

Who do you help?

Our lawyers help individuals that have either purchased a long term disability insurance policy from an insurance company or obtained short or long term disability insurance coverage as a benefit from their employer. We have helped individuals in almost every type of occupation with monthly disability benefit payments ranging from $1,500 to $50,000.

Our clients include all types of employees ranging from retail associates, sales representatives, government employees, police officers, teachers, janitors, nurses, pilots, truck drivers, financial advisors, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, consultants, IT professionals, engineers, professional athletes, business owners, and high level executives.

A strong understanding and presentation of the duties of your occupation is essential for securing disability insurance benefits.

Do you work in my state?

Yes. We are a national disability insurance law firm that is available to represent you regardless of where you live in the United States. We have partner lawyers in every state and we have filed lawsuits in most federal courts nationwide. Our disability lawyers represent disability claimants at all stages of a claim for disability insurance benefits. There is nothing that our lawyers have not seen in the disability insurance world.

What are your fees?

Since we represent disability insurance claimants at different stages of a disability insurance claim we offer a variety of different fee options. We understand that claimants living on disability insurance benefits have a limited source of income; therefore we always try to work with the claimant to make our attorney fees as affordable as possible.

The three available fee options are a contingency fee agreement (no attorney fee or cost unless we make a recovery), hourly fee or fixed flat rate.

In every case we provide each client with a written fee agreement detailing the terms and conditions. We always offer a free initial phone consultation and we appreciate the opportunity to work with you in obtaining payment of your disability insurance benefits.

Do I have to come to your office to work with your law firm?

No. For purposes of efficiency and to reduce expenses for our clients we have found that 99% of our clients prefer to communicate via phone, email, fax, GoToMeeting sessions, or Skype. If you prefer an initial in-person meeting please let us know. A disability company will never require you to come to their office and similarly we are set up so that we handle your entire claim without the need for you to come to our office.

How can I contact you?

When you call us during normal business hours you will immediately speak with a disability attorney. We can be reached at 800-698-9159 or by email. Lawyers and staff must return all client calls same day. Client emails are usually replied to within the same business day and seem to be the preferred and most efficient method of communication for most clients.