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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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Would I have to notify the recruiter or DOT physician about psoriasis?
@ Adrian c
No, to both questions.
I had one hip replacement,going in for the other hip replacement in a month,after recovery,having both knees replaced,then having treatment for osteoporosis arthritis in my spine,since out on std,being treated for high blood pressure,driving truck for 38 years,will all these keep me from driving a cmv or getting a med card
@ Dave G
If you can perform the duties of a cmv operator, following a full recovery and full work release (without restrictions), then you can return to work as a driver. You will need a medical release form from your doctors and a medical release form from your prescribing doctor for your BP meds.
After 6 months off work, because my employer said they had no light duty for me, and 6 weeks of Physical Therapy for my knee symptoms only, Dr. Released me to Full Duty, but still has me doing another 4 weeks therapy to address numbness, tingling, loss of sensation in same leg as knee. This was on 9-13-08. Employer expects me back on 9-17-08 as soon as I complete my DOT physical that morning. . This doesn’t make sense in my mind. In 6 months time I’m only now starting therapy for numbness, tingling and loss of sensation in my leg. . .which I reported from day one. . . .but now I’m expected to back to work full duty on 9-17-18 after completing my Dot physical that morning. . .here’s the kicker. . .the same medical office that is handling my workers comp will be doing my DOT physical.
@ Matthew
The doctors office will not pass you for a DOT medical certificate due to your WC and therapy. You, at present, do not qualify for the examination.
I am having surgery on my right foot for the second time in 12 years the first one they removed my little toe and bone all the way back to my ankle because of bone infection the bone is infected again this time they are removing infected metatarsal bone all the way up to the fourth digit I already have blance and trouble feeling pressure applying brakes how will this affect my cdl going forward
@ paul c
It should not effect your CDL, but does effect your medical certificate. You will need a new medical certificate once you have been fully released from your doctor.
If you have been driving over 20years,and downgraded your class A 2 1/2 years ago,now you want to drive again,but missing 4toes on right foot,since the late 70s,would I be able to get my medical certificate again?
@ Wilfewd R
If it does not limit your ability to operate a cmv safely, then you should be fine. Bring any supporting documentation with you, it helps the examiner in his decision making process.
I have a herniated disk in my neck, they initially wanted to perform surgery. After a few opinions, I found a doctor that chose to send me to Physical Therapy instead. I’ve been going to PT twice a week now for 3 months, next month in September I will only have to go once a week and once the month ends I will be done. My medical card expires within 4 days and I need to get it renewed. I am not taking any medications, my ROM is pretty much back to normal and I don’t experience any pain just occasional muscle tightness which my PT says can be alleviated by massage. I have started doing some light weight training also. Will mentioning my herniated disk prevent me from getting a 2-year medical card? In the meantime I have been terminated from my previous job because my FMLA expired, it’s a long story filled with lots of loopholes and nonsense. I just want to get back to work at a better company. Do I have anything to be concerned about or should I relax?
@ Jack
If you can perform the full ROM without discomfort or limitation, you should be fine.
I live in Minnesota and have a class B license and drive a flatbed straight truck. I have an interstate card because we cross into Wisconsin somtimes. I injured my midback two months ago putting my tarp away. I am still in physical therapy with work comp. I have been doing light duty work in our warehouse since the injury. My health card expired a few days ago and when I went to the dot doctor to recertify she disqualified me and said I need a skill performance evaluation because of my injury. I just need to know if this is true or is there an exemption in my case.
@ Scott K
Not true. You do not even qualify for the DOT examination with injuries, work limitations and WC. Once fully healed and releaased from all doctors care, then go for your DOT cert exam.
Can rheumatoid arthrist be a reason for failing the dot physical. It’s is not aggressive or noticeable. I just take meds for it.
@ Lisa
If it does not hinder your ability to operate a CMV, then there shouldn’t be any issues.