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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 have a cdl class b and have M.S. I will have a physical in Dec. At this time I have no limatations and have all motor ability. Will this be a problem in the state of Md.
@ Eric
Make sure you get the CME to understand that you are a class B driver and bring any medical documentation to support your over-all condition.
I am a 50yr old Actively Employed Veteran Class A Regionally Dedicated Driver of 32yrs experience with a long history of degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, & formal narrowing.
Up until recently I have been able to manage my pain with Radio Ablation Therapy, Occasional Steroid Disk Injections, & A Regular Daily Physical Therapy Exercise Routine. (*No Medications other than physician prescribed & monitored moderately high dosage levels of Ibuprofen for Pain & Inflammation.)
I’ve recently received an MRI Lumbar Evaluation from my PCP, Pain Management Physician, & Neurosurgeon recommending an Open Lumbar Decompression (Single level) Laminectomy Surgery.
I have been assured that if I pursue this surgical option I will still be able to continue to drive at my current level with the added potential benefit of a 70-90% reduction in my current pain levels. They have projected a roughly 2hr surgery, followed by a three day hospital stay for observation, & an approximate 6 weeks off work for healing & Physical Therapy before returning to Normal Duty with no additional pain medications required.
I have been unable to find any type of information regarding this surgical procedure’s impact on a Class A Commercial Driver’s Career.
Any insight You & Your Colleagues can offer into to the Realistic Recovery Time, or More Importantly Potential DOT Physical Disqualification Risks to be considered pertaining to having this type of surgery would be Greatly Appreciated
@ Stephen
All you will need, following the surgery, is a full medical release from your doctors, without any limitations. If they have you on any medications, then you may need to provide additional documentation from your doctors. If you can pass the DOT medical certification examination, then you are good to go.
I have a class a with no restrictions and a medical certificate for a dot doctor. Got pull over and put out of service do to me missing my right hand how can I get a medical certificate and class a but dot put me out service for no wavier
Ps was missing right when took CDLs test and dot physical
@ Rodney B
WHAT? By federal DOT / FMCSA guidelines, you are required to have a waiver before being able to pass a DOT medical certification examination. The DOT officer is correct and you need to acquire a federal waiver.
SO A DOT DOCTOR CAN’T GIVE A SIMPLE RESTRICTION ON THE CARD TO SAY THE PERSON CAN STILL OPRATE A CLASS A TRUCK, SEE MY ARM IS TILL WITH ME BUT HAS LOST MOVEMENT & STRENTH DUE TO A TUMOR, ?
@ Kim
No he can not. By DOT/FMCSA definition, you are not fit for duty as a class A driver. If there is a restriction to be placed on your license, then it would come from your states drivers license department and would probably limit you to intra-state only driving. But check with your DLD to confirm.
I recently went for a examination to get my CDL-A medical card from one of those box medical companies. I passed everything but he said he wouldn’t pass me because of tingling in my feet,he said it was peripheral neuropathy. I have complete feeling in both of feet and still wouldn’t give it to me. My personal doctor is certified DOT and said the box doctor is not reading the law right. The box doctor is not even certified DOT and just read me something out of a book with the rules. My company said I have to have the test done only from this box company and will not let me go to my own doctor. Is there any recourse that I can take,thank you.
@ Glenn H
If the box doc is not on the national registry, then his examination findings are not valid. Check with your DOT certified doctor and have him help you out. All valid medical examinations must be performed by a DOT certified medical examiner, period.
Hi. I m a CDL OTR driver, and my medical exam expires in a year. I had a surgery for achilis tendom ruptured on my left foot. And now I have a cast on my left foot under the knee. Doc said its ok to drive a vehicle, but not walk on it. So I am currently using walking sticks to walk. I was driving an auto transmission truck. Can I still legally drive OTR? Thanks
@ Mehmet G
The surgery invalidated your current medical card and at present you could not pass a DOT medical card certification examination. You will need a full medical release from your surgeon, without restriction, before you can take a new DOT medical certification examination.
I have had a CDL in Oregon for over 50 years. About 6 months ago I separated my right shoulder and fractured the arm. I also have nerve damage in the right shoulder, so I can not lift my right hand above my head. I have good strength in the arm.
Will this keep me from passing the DOT physical ?
@ Harry W
If the shoulder restriction is sufficient enough to limit your abilities to perform the duties of a CMV operator, then you will have difficulty passing the DOT medical certification examination. Class A FMCSA guidelines require you to perform the duties of an operator without restrictions.
I broke both wrists in an on job accident a year ago. I’m currently in OT trying to get grip strength back. My question is what is minimum strength requirements for DOT physical? I keep getting different weights when I call dot examiners office. Orthopedic dr as well as therapists say I’m more than ready but my strength isn’t up to dr requirements. .. trying to see if need to find another dot examiner….
@ Sherry F
There is no set grip strength via the FMCSA guidelines. You need to be fully released from your doctors, without any restrictions. And you must be able to perform the job description duties of a CMV operator.
I have a CDL but primarily don’t drive anything bigger than a 5 ton. I’m considering right ankle fusion. Would I lose my CDL or have a restriction put on my license because of limited movement and potential slower brake reaction time?
@ Dave
Check with your local DLD for the best answer. This is a state DLD question.