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Q&A
Is Meniere’s disease a disqualifier?
What if I’ve had surgery for Meniere’s disease?
Does vertigo disqualify me from getting a medical card?
What if I take anti-seisure medication?
Can I pass a DOT physical after having a stroke?
If a driver is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder will they fail the DOT physical?
If I take antidepressants can I still get a DOT medical card?
Is Meniere’s disease a disqualifier?
Yes. Meniere’s disease is disqualifying because it may bring about a severe condition of vertigo and is unpredictable. The risk here is sudden incapacitation.
What if I’ve had surgery for Meniere’s disease?
Still is a disqualifier. The FMCSA is reviewing this in terms of certification.
Does vertigo disqualify me from getting a medical card?
It could. When the medical examiner does his examination, one of the things he is looking for is things that would be unsafe for you as a driver and how it effects your ability to maintain control of a commercial motor vehicle. Part of that examination is to test for virtigo. If he feels the condition is unsafe then he will not pass you. If he feels there is something that can help you maintain, he may make a suggestion for you to follow-up with a specialist.
Drivers who have had one unprovoked seizure by definition do not have epilepsy (2 or more unprovoked seizures). Drivers who are seizure-free and off anticonvulsant medication(s) for at least 5 years after a single unprovoked seizure can be certified. Earlier return to work may be considered for drivers with a normal EEG who have no epileptic-form activity and normal examination by a neurologist specializing in epilepsy. (This answer from the FMCSA website)
What if I take anti-seizure medication?
Right off the bat you would be disqualified as a CMV driver. There is a new federal exemption for seizure and related medications. You will need to check with the FMCSA regarding that particular paperwork.
Medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy is disqualifying. Where a driver can demonstrate that safety would not be diminished by the condition, it is possible to apply for an exemption.
Can I pass a DOT physical after having a stroke?
It depends on many things, including the likelihood of having another stroke. Your best bet is to first go back to your neurologist and have him/her write a medical opinion letter stating:
- When you had the stroke.
- What was the treatment, and how successful was the outcome.
- What is the treatment you are receiving now.
- The doctor’s medical opinion about your readiness to return to work as a driver. Make sure that he/she knows all of your physical daily activities as a commerial driver.
With that information in hand when you go to do your DOT medical examination, then the DOT examiner has all the appropriate information to determine your physical state of fitness to perform the duties of a commercial driver.
If a driver is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder will they fail the DOT physical?
Well, it isn’t that you fail outright, but you will be asked questions regarding the condition:
- What treatment routine has been established.
- How long you’ve been on that routine.
- How are you responding to treatment/medication, etc.
So just prepare for the question line in advance, bring documentation from your treating doctor with you, and you could do just fine.
If I take antidepressants can I still get a DOT medical card?
Well it’s not impossible, but what you will need to do is get a medical opinion letter from your treating physician that states:
- When you were diagnosed with the condition?
- What treatment program does he/she have you on?
- Is the condition stable?
- Does your physician feel you could do the duties of a commercial driver and be safe for yourself and the people/public around you?
Then take that information the DOT physical appointment. It will still be the DOT medical examiner’s decision whether or not to certify you.
I have an anxiety disorder on and off. This raises my BP readings. Can I still pass the DOT physical if I take beta-blockers?
You should talk with your primary healthcare provider to determine whether or not this would interfere with the responsibilities and stress of being a commercial motor vehicle operator. If your doctor feels OK about your driving and understands the role of a commercial motor vehicle operator, then he should write a medical opinion letter for you to take to the DOT examination, explaining your condition, treatment and safe usage of the medications you are taking and whether your specific condition is stable. That way there is no surprises for you or the DOT examiner.
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In 2001 I had two seizures,one at home and one on the way to the hospital in the ambulance. I was diagnosed with “right temporal lobe cavernous hemangioma. Treatment: craniotomy & resection of mass. Off Dilantin since 05/03. No other seizures. Does this situation disqualify me from a health card?
@ Dennis
I do not believe this situation is a problem now. It has been many years since you had any incidence. A note from your primary healthcare provider regarding this condition would help the DOT examiner in his evaluation.
I get Vertigo once every 2 years. Doc prescribed me with Meclizine 25mg. Does this desqualifies me? Fisrt one happen in 2011 and this time it happened on sept 2013.
@Francisco
Meclizine side effects “This drug may make you drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.”
This is a disqualifier due to public safety and personal safety. You may be able to get a medical release note from your primary care physician stating his/her opinion that you can perform your duties safely. Give this release note to the DOT doctor to help ascertain your qualification for a medical card. The final decision to qualify you, still rests with the medical examiner doing the DOT physical.
Hi I have positional vertigo. Does this disqualify me to renew my medical card? I didn’t have it before and the doctors don’t know why I have it now.
@Tiffany
This will need a letter from your primary doctor stating what your condition is, how long it’s been going on, what treatment is being prescribed, and what the doctor’s opinion is on the safety of you operating a CMV. You will need to have been episode free for a period of time before you will pass the DOT examination.
would lightheadedness be a disqualifer had one problem at home and passed out none before and none after
@James
Do you know why you passed out? This would be a major question.
Driving 80,000 lbs. and 80 feet long with a driver that may pass out is a real big safety issue. By FMCSA regulations, you should know why it happened and what the causes were. After that you may have to wait for a designated time frame, without incidence, before you would be able to pass the DOT examination.
Remember, it’s about safety, both for you and the public at large.
I just passed a two year dot physical for a new company however the human resource lady is wanting to talk to my Personal doctor because I told the doctor of the new company’s choice I have controlled vestibular migraines. I told this to the doctor doing my dot physical and she passed me yet it’s not good enough for this hr lady cause she says in the CDL book she is looking at the word vestibular is disqualifying for a CDL. I’ve always had this and have always passed dot physicals. Any suggestions where I can get info on vestibular? I called the safety responsibility who issue medical cards in Arkansas and they said they have never heard of this being disqualifying.
@Jeremy
Your best bet on this is to get a note from your primary healthcare provider explaining your condition in words that your HR lady understands. She is right with a true vestibular condition, but may be wrong in regards to your specific condition. Unfortunately, there seems to be a breakdown in communication here, so help her understand.
Thanks for the question.
I have been diagnosed with ms and was off work for 8 weeks. I received a docs realease from my neurologist with no limitations to go back to work. I passed my physical for driving but because of ms and meds I was told I would have to go to another doc for certification through Montgomery Alabama. My company knows nothing about this and I am off work with no pay while they are “checking into it”” Can you help with what to do?
@John
Mostly what is going on is that your condition is of a progressive nature.
Most medical doctors have no idea of the job requirements of a driver, so releasing you to return to work without understanding what your job and job requirements are, is not really up to your neurologist, but up to the DOT examiner.
The note to the DOT examiner is the best thing you will be able to to do, right now. I believe there will be a waiting period from the date of your diagnosis and the time you will be able to return to work. I would download the medical release form from the dotphysicaldoctors website and have your neurologist complete it. That will address most of the DOT examiners questions and safety concerns. Then it may just be a time factor regarding your driving again.
Thanks for the question. Trucker Docs
I have been on Neurontin for years for familial neuropathy in my legs and feet. Suddenly, at my DOT physicial the MD said it was not allowed. What am I supposed to do? Did the ruling change? I cannot find an upate to “the list”.
@Jimmy
Because Neurontin is used for things like seizures, the DOT examiner may be leery of clearing you for a DOT medical card.
My advise would be to take a note from your primary healthcare provider explaining the type of drug you are taking and for what purpose.
You can get the basic form here in this ‘medical release’ article. It’s a template for your doctor to use to answer the primary questions and it also explains what your driving responsibilities are. That should help the most.
Thanks for the question. Trucker Docs.
I have trigeminal neuralgia. This does not interfear with my daily activities or quality of life. I see a neurologist 2-3 times a year. Will this disqualify me from obtaining a CDL and/or passing a medical exam?
@ Niki
In and of itself, your condition is not a disqualifier. But, I would get a note from your neurologist to verify your condition. Make sure you explain to your neurologist what type of work you are going to be doing. Over the road driving can be stressful over long periods of time and most doctors have no idea of the stress and strains of an OTR driver’s job. Bring the supporting info with you to your DOT exam and you should have no problem.
Thanks for the question. Trucker Docs
Does perrifial neuropathy disqualify you from driving a cmv
@ H Clement
It may, if the condition restricts you from performing the duties of a CMV operator.