Well, I got my appeal decision back. To no one's surprise, it was denied. The rationale for not paying me further was that per a board certified orthopaedic surgeon that reviewed my records (along with the required registered nurse), that it only takes 3 months to recover from a hip replacement. Since my September replacement was done on 9/9, I should be all better and 100% by 12/8. So basically, since I got paid by CIGNA until 12/10, I should shut up and be grateful.
I checked the doctor out and he is a respected ortho in the Pittsburgh PA area with four locations, and does not appear to be a "hired gun" from my cursory investigation.
I am not pursuing further at this point. I am back to work and have finally begun collecting a full paycheck, and am finally starting to build my savings back up. Besides, they don't tax the short-term disability and I paid the price on my 2019 income tax returns-for the first time since I began working in 1981, I had to pay in. Luckily it was only the state. I don't need any more tax-free money from CIGNA wreaking havoc on my finances again. So as far as this saga goes, stick a fork in it-it's DONE!