Exhibit 99-B.9
Opinion and Consent of Counsel

ING LOGO
AMERICAS
US Legal Services

Michael A. Pignatella
Counsel
(860) 580-2831
Fax: (860) 580-4934

April 18, 2008

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549

Re:	ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company and its Variable Annuity Account C
	Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to Registration Statement on Form N-4
	Prospectus Title: Group 403(b), 401 and HR10 Plans Variable Annuity Contracts
	File Nos.: 033-75974 and 811-02513

Dear Sir or Madam:

The undersigned serves as counsel to ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company, a Connecticut life insurance company
(the “Company”). It is my understanding that the Company, as depositor, has registered an indefinite amount of securities
(the “Securities”) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) as provided in Rule 24f-2 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”).

In connection with this opinion, I have reviewed the N-4 Registration Statement, as amended to the date hereof, and this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 22. I have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to my
satisfaction, of such documents, trust records and other instruments I have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purpose
of rendering this opinion. For purposes of such examination, I have assumed the genuineness of all signatures on original
documents and the conformity to the original of all copies.

I am admitted to practice law in Connecticut, and do not purport to be an expert on the laws of any other state. My opinion
herein as to any other law is based upon a limited inquiry thereof which I have deemed appropriate under the
circumstances.

Based upon the foregoing, and, assuming the Securities are sold in accordance with the provisions of the prospectus, I am
of the opinion that the Securities being registered will be legally issued and will represent binding obligations of the
Company.

I consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

Sincerely,

/s/ Michael A. Pignatella

Michael A. Pignatella

Windsor Site
One Orange Way, C1S 
Windsor, CT 06095-4774 ING North America Insurance Corporation