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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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I was diagnosed with et essential tremors is this condition something i will lose my medical card over
@George
You probably want to get a medical release from your neurologist to take to your next medical exam.
Can i get a 2 year dot medical card after having a severe concussion and fracture skull within the last 4 months?
@Richard
No. You’ll need a medical release form from your neurologist and it is highly unlikely that you will get a 2-year medical card.
Someone with a major Depressive Disorder and has had ECT treatments last one 3 months ago – no current meds can they have a DOT card?
@Penny
The condition is going to raise many questions. It is doubtful that you will be able to go any further until you have a medical release form from the doctor stating that they are ready to release the driver to normal driving activities. A qualified medical release form will be the first step in this process.
Does anyone know the DOT regulations regarding suicidal thoughts and ideations? I am finding posts about mental illness, however not about suicidal thoughts and ideations. My husband was placed on unpaid medical leave by Greyhound in March after the DOT doctor for the company failed his medical examination due to suicidal thoughts. They are saying they can hold him out six months to a year based on DOT regulations. Does anyone know where I can find these specific DOT regulations?
@Julia
This one is at the examiners discretion. Something must have been said that put the examiner on alert. You could try getting a medical release form from your doctor stating that your hubby is a pretty normal guy and is not under psychiatric care for any known suicidal tendencies.
If I had a Tia a and the doctor writes”to a certain degree of medical certainty I can say thi patient is fit to drive a bus.the doctor is a neurologist ,can I still be forced to wait one year by aa dot certified dr
@Richard
A lot depends on the class license you are presently operating under.
If it is a class A then one year, if it class B or intra-state only, then you fall into the state variances and need to check with your local drivers license department for their opinion on your situation.
I received completed a DOT physical for CRST and the doctor denied my medical card for a unsubstantiated concussion that I had back in Iraq in 2003. The information was provided to the doctor by the VA from the TBI clinic. I have never had a seizure, blurred vision, vertigo, nausea, or anything more severe than a headache in the past 10 years which can usually be attributed to missed doses of my hypertension medication or insufficient fluid intake. Is this a valid reason to deny my medical card and can I rebut it? If so, how and what steps do I need to take?
@Lyndell
If you want you could go some where else for a second opinion. If the VA is supporting the negative findings of a concussion, then the CME should be taking that information into consideration and using it to make their final decision.
My husband has been diagnosed with glioblastoma brain tumor He has had surgery to remove the tumor and is about to start radiation and chemo. Later he will be on a chemo maintenance treatment. His surgeon has said thathat she doesn’t think he should have any problem returning to work. He hauls doubles for a freight company. Will this diagnosis keep him from returning to work?
@Jane
Once fully healed and ready to return to work, he would need a medical release form from the doctors and be able to pass the DOT medical examination for ‘fit for duty’.
He may be restricted to drive intra-state only, all depends on his physical condition at the time of the examination.
Will Bells Palsey patients typically be able to obtain a DOT medical card.
@Andy
Only if the Palsy does not interfere with the safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle.
You may want to get a medical release form from your doctor explaining your situation. In and of itself, it is not an instant disqualifier.