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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’ve had Meniere’s Disease since 2004. On Thursday, July 3, 2014, I went for my physical exam and was informed that as of April 2014, Meniere’s is disqualifying. It is the one job that I am able to do without restrictions. I don’t want to lose my cdl license which will result in me losing my job. Please advise.
Thanks,
Chris
@Chris
Meniere’s has always been a disqualifier.
Your examiner has now been made aware if this.
If you are not an OTR driver, you may be able to get your primary care doctor to complete a medical release form for you and see if that will work as an intra-state only driver. That way you can keep your CDL and your job without trying to qualify as an OTR driver.
Good Luck.
With the new laws now , can they take my CDL if i was just found out i have MS
@Carla
If your diagnosis is confirmed with your neurologist, then get a note from him regarding his treatment plan and any medications. Take that note, with a completed medical release form to your DOT examiner. It helps him make a qualifying decision.
Gentlemen: I had diagnosed acute appendicitis on the 20th of April 2014..Procedure was laparoscopic appendectomy. Discharged next day ..Provided my company with the discharge instructions and my return to work was May 9,2014…The company, Schneider uses a third party and they informed me I would have to go back to our family doctor and have him/her sign their own forms. They wanted to know diagnosis, and post op instructions,and to wit they wanted me to sign a form releasing my medical records to them.. I do not have to release my medical records to anyone especially a third party entity..Subpart P- Confidentiality and Release of Information 40.321
My procedure was not drug nor alcohol related and they were given my clearance with no restrictions to return to work…. They (FirstLab), have informed me if I do not sign the release of my medical records I will not return to my job! This is bull….I’m in my 25 year as a driver instructor,driver ,etc. .I’m also educated and personally think they are in violation of my rights as a driver.. What would you do? Sincerely–Denny C
@Dennis
Ok, the short answer is:
Once you were no longer in a position, (acute appendicitis) to operate a commercial motor vehicle, then you must get a new medical examination to return to work. That’s the regulation / law via FMCSA.
What your DOT examiner needs is a note from your primary healthcare provider stating that you are ready and able, according to the job description posted on the FMCSA website, to return to work.
Your employer only needs to know that you have taken and passed a new DOT medical examination and that you are fit to operate a CMV according to the DOT examiner. That’s it.
Does taking gabapentin for restless legs disqualify me? Thank you.
@James
This drug may make you dizzy or 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.
These would be reasons not to qualify a driver of a commercial motor vehicle. If you have been on this medication for any length of time, have your doctor write a note explaining your condition and your response to the medication. This helps the DOT examiner make reasonable decisions.
I have OCD and have been on Celexa and Abilify for the last 5 years. The medicine keeps pretty much all symtoms under control. Will being treated for this disqualify me from getting a cdl?
@ J.C.
Just download the medical release form from our blog and have your primary healthcare provider fill it out for you and take it to your next DOT medical examination. The blog post will give you more information too.
A Driver had a stroke 8 years ago. He was released to drive again after a six month recovery period. He has driven a truck for the last seven years with no issue. Would the fact that the driver now takes Plavix ( blood thinner) as a preventive against future stokes be a problem in a DOT physical?
@Sandra
I would make sure the driver takes a letter/medical release to the DOT examination.
There should be no problems and the note from the primary healthcare provider will help the examiner make the proper decisions.
would the driver have to have a current INR if on a blood thinner?
@Dustylew
I would try to have a medical release form and the most recent up-to-date information available when you go for your DOT examination. The more you can help the examiner the better off you are.
Client with CDL has unprovoked seizure 1 year ago. Takes anti seizure meds. Wants to terminate meds. Medical certificate about to expire. No further seizures. Excepted intrastate driver. Can he terminate meds without compromising his medical certificate. How long off meds before he can driver interstate?
@ Robert
Unless the client has a written explanation from his primary healthcare provider as to when and why your client was taken off his medications, I would have a whole lot of questions. Seizures and truck driving don’t go together very well. It’s a safety issue more than anything else. But with proper documentation, his new medical certificate should not be a problem. I believe a one year post seizure medication is required before he can drive interstate. Check with FMCSA for confirmation.
If a driver who has never officially been diagnosised with PTSD and has only participated in “talk thearpy” but now feels they need more help. If they go to their physician and are placed on medication will they lose their DOT physical card? Do they have to report the new diagnosis if they are not due for a new physical until next year?
@ Kelly
I don’t believe you would lose your cdl. You will need to make your DOT examiner aware of the new medications at the time of your next DOT medical exam. You will also need to have a note from your primary healthcare provider, indicating what your new meds are and whether your condition is stable on these meds and for how long your condition has been stable.