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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’m just wondering if an autism level 1 diagnosis is a disqualification for being a CDL driver. I was a school bus driver for 2 years but have left that, still current on CDL. Was diagnosed autistic in the last year. Don’t know if or how that changes things.
@Emily
It all depends on a few things. What class drivers license do you have? How extensive does the condition effect your daily lifestyle and what type of support system do you have in place?
Diagnosis names a condition but does not give the truest picture of what your capabilities really are. So, some more information is needed to guide you in the right direction.
Advice to anyone reading this forum. If you want to drive a commercial vehicle DO NOT even think of mentioning any disqualifying conditions to your doctor. If blood pressure is an issue take your meds and quit salt the week before your physical. And when your doctor asks how your feeling you say,and this is important, like a million bucks. Don’t check ANY boxes unless you want to lose your job or not get the job or be sitting home not getting paid. Remember, you feel like a million bucks!
@Lesson…..
Really?
So this is a driver telling you to lie on your federal DOT physical examination form. Not real sure that this is the best policy.
The CME’s job is to determine medical fitness for duty, not take your ass out of the truck. You guys have the single most important job in the USA. Yes, we can agree that some of the CMEs still do not have a clear picture of the FMCSA guidelines and what they are supposed to be looking for. It is difficult for the CMEs to do their job right now because FMCSA pulled the guidelines out of existence two-plus years ago for “revamping” and no one has seen them since.
But lying on the form does not protect you from any health issues and if found out could cost you your job and your driving career.
Why not find a CME that understands the driving community and what your job consists of so he/she can make the best, informed decision that he/she can.
That way you and the CME, both, keep everybody out there safe.
I would agree that lying on the med form is definitely not a good idea. In this day and age, everything is documented and stored forever. Should the lying driver be involved in a significant crash, the adverse party’s legal council will undoubtedly find out and barbeque the driver on the witness stand. Consider that many crashes now involve both civil litigation and criminal prosecution, and you have a scenario where the driver potentially faces jail time.
Hello, I suffer from Constant Migraines/Headaches, I take meds for them. Will this disqualify me from getting my Dot card renewed?
@Chris
In and of itself, it may not be a disqualifier. But it is going to raise questions about what meds, how often and how well you can safely handle a commercial motor vehicle with this symptomatic picture. Get a medical release from your prescribing doctor before you go for the examination.
I have peripheral diabetic neuropathy in my feet with a little bit of tingling but not bad am I disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle CDL?
@Ray
You want to have your neurologist complete your medical release form explaining how your conditions effects your neuropathy. With that information hand, the CME can make a more informed decision. Your diabetes already limits your medical card to one year at the time and your condition is progressive, so he may keep an eye on you and your condition. But you are not automatically disqualified.
Does the treatment ECT disqualify me from keeping or obtaining a CDL
@Dan
It is going to cause an extensive line of questioning, so make sure you have a medical release form from your doctors explain the need and results, with a prognosis, in hand before going for you examination.
my husband went for a random drug test after he had his proton treatment and could past his water so they said that he would have to stay there for three hours until he past his water they never told him if he left that they would report him as not wanting to take the test so the company he work for told him he could not work until he get in touch with SRI so we don’t know how to do that so we need a letter and the company he work need a letter.
If your husband left the clinic before providing an adequate sample, he was probably reported as a ‘Refusal to Test’ and this is disqualifying. Unless he could get this action rescinded, he will need to seek out a SAP and work through a program of recovery. The company that let him go is required to provide your husband with a letter that lists several qualified SAPs (Substance Abuse Professional) near home, allowing him to choose where to go. This is a very unfortunate situation, but the fact that the clinic did not officially notify your husband that he couldn’t leave will most likely not relieve him of the burden of following the DOT mandates regarding this process.
I was diagnosed with PTSD and bipolar type II as a service connected disability about 10 years ago. I have never been hospitalized or have any suicidal/homicidal ideations. I was prescribed divaloprex (depakote) about two years ago. The Dr. wanted to slowly get me off the medication (he said less is better.) I have not needed any medication in the last year or more. I have been completely sober and going to group therapy for some time now (at least six months.) I have two questions, should I get a medical opinion/release from my VA psychologist if these conditions will be a red flag? Is it better to be on medications or not in respect to qualifying for a CA medical examiner’s card? Thank you for your time.
@Nick
You will need medical release forms from your doctors before you go for the DOT medical certificate. With proper documentation you should be alright, as long as everything else is within normal limits.
I am trying to find the correct answer for a driver that has had a mild stroke. Is it “recommended” or
“required” that he sit out for one year before driving again? I have been told both ways. The newest version of this question that I can find was in 2009. ( Recommended )
Have there been any changes?
@Angie
It is “highly recommended”! – but – with full supporting documentation from your neurologist the CME can make a more informed decision.