I'm in South Carolina, United States. I applied to add a short-term disability policy to my existing insurance policy through my job with Trustmark in September '24. I had a knee issue that I saw my doctor for in July '24 during which he scheduled an MRI in August for my knee.

I got nervous about it and applied for the STD and was enrolled for it in September. Didn't know how bad the knee was until after September. I ended up having surgery in January, and now my insurance company denied my STD claim for January 1-Feb 28 due to a "pre-existing condition" based on my appointment in July. I was able to work right up until my surgery in January. I didn't even need accomodations.

Does this count as a pre-existing condition? Do I have a chance in hell for the appeal to go in my favor? Any advice on how to proceed? There's no way I can afford a lawyer right now. Flat broke.