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Q&A
I have a hernia. Will this disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?
What if I have a limb impairment? Am I disqualified?
I have a hernia. Will this disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?
If the hernia does not interfere with your operation of a commercial motor vehicle, then there is no problem.
If you have pain and are limited in some way, then you should take care of the problem before it does become a serious problem.
I had hernia surgery three years ago. There is some scar tissue which causes a little discomfort from time to time but in no way renders me unable to perform any tasks. Will this cause me to fail a DOT physical?
During the examination you will be questioned regarding the hernia surgery. Just let the medical examiner know how this effects you and whether it interferes with your daily activities. Some companies have restrictions, but this is a company policy not a DOT regulation.
I have a hernia that does not give me any trouble. The doctor I saw for my DOT exam says I have to get it repaired before my next exam. What if my regular doctor says that we can do watchful waiting instead of surgery? What are my rights under the law about this?
The DOT examiner is looking at a progressive condition, but if you will take a note from your primary doctor who has evaluated your condition and understands what you really do for a living, then the DOT examiner should consider your primary doctor’s opinion. However, the final decision to certify you, or not, remains with the medical examiner.
What if I have a limb impairment? Am I disqualified?
It is possible to apply for an exemption. FMCSA has a certificate program for drivers with limb impairments. FMCSA also has a special certification program for drivers with missing limbs. (see FMCSA Skill Performance Evaluation)
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I had back surgery for a herinated disc in ‘98. In 2015 I had another herinated disc but I’m not on any medication. I lost 20 lbs and this helped a lot. Can this prevent me from CDL med card?
@ Lynn
Not the surgeries but the ability to perform the physical duties required of a CMV operator, without restrictions, will be the primary question.
Can I get a card missing 1 toe on both feet there both 2nd toes
@ Roger h
As long as you can perform the duties of a CMV operators job description, you should be fine. There will be questions as to the loss of the toes, ex. medical reasons or accident.
What about a shoulder replacement will I need to be cleard
@ Ray
Best with a medical release form from your doctor and no restrictions.
If you lose a toe due to having a diabetic ulcer, but otherwise have no issues, do you still qualify?
@ Charles M DuB
With medical documentation and a medical release from your primary, and all else on the exam is normal, yes
I recently saw a patient for DOT physical. Patient had lumbar discectomy roughly 7 weeks ago. Examination overall normal; good ROM, no spinal tenderness, and incision sites look like they are healing well. Patient only taking tylenol as needed for pain. Elevated BP on exam and so patient granted a 3 month certificate. Advised me that he had been cleared by his surgeon and has another follow up with the surgeon in 2 weeks. Since he is coming back in a few months anyways, I asked him to bring notes from the surgeon when he returns for BP check. If his exam was abnormal I definitely would have requested a note prior to certifying for 3 months. Was this appropriate? I find it is difficult as there really are no clear cut guidelines for MSK surgeries.
@ Chloe
If the driver was able to perform the duties of a CMV operator, in your opinion, and only his BP held him to a 3 months card, you are fine in your decision.
I have dm2 which is now under control with oral medication. I want to renew my dot medical card. I have over the last year had ambutation of 2 picky toes and half of my right great toe. The most recent was a month ago which was my left pinky toe. I have letters from my podiatrist and endroconologist both stating that in their opinions there is no restriction on me operating a cmv. Is that sufficient enough to pass the dot physical
@ Charles S
Make sure you are fully recovered and released from surgical care first. Also bring a copy of your last a1c results. It will help the examiner in his final decision making process.
I am a CDL B driver. 6 Weeks ago I had knee surgery to repair a torn Maniscus. My DOT med card expires on Saturday July 21st. I went to have a DOT physical this past Friday on July 13th, Even though I have no restrictions for driving, she made the determination that I have a restriction. If this was my left knee, I could understand it. She told me that I can have know restrictions, Yes, I am on short term disability and I am unable to perform the physical portion of my job. I passed every part of the physical exam and had I not been honest I would have past the exam. I am wearing a brace on my leg and all I had to do was taking that off before going into the Dr. office and she never would have known. I am annoyed because this is my livelihood. This seems very unfair as it is not a physical for my job it is a DOT physical to determine if I can operate a commercial truck safely!!! Is this something that they can actually disqualify me for my med card?
@ Rich H
You are class B driver and thus you fall under the states requirements and not class A FMCSA regulations. Your examiner should know both the FMCSA and your states variances. Go for a second opinion and explain that you are class B not class A.
If the driver is on partial permanent disability due to a preexisting elbow injury which limits the weight of the arm to 25 lbs and no repetitive pushing, pulling, or lifting with the arm, would that disqualify the driver from getting a DOT medical card for a commercial vehicle?
My husband just had deep brain stimulation and they installed a neurostimulator can he still drive a school bus in Kentucky
@ Sherri
You need to check with your local drivers license department for the best answer. He would fall under the states variances.
My Husband was born with out the lower part of his left arm he just has it to his elbow he has never had a prosthesis and he has never had any type of restrictions on his drivers licence or in the work place would he be able to pass a DOT physical to obtain a CDL licence? Thanks
@ Kiley L
Check with your local drivers license department for your best answer.