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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 service-connected case of PTSD about a year ago which was after my last DOT physical I’m on 50 mg of sertraline and 150 mg of biuproperen?(Wellbutrin) as well as diagnosed with sleep apnea. I know what I need for the sleep apnea and can pass that part no problem, what I’m worried about is the PTSD and meds I’m on getting me dq’d from driving. What should I take to the medical exam to get my best chances of being cleared.
@Ryan
Make sure you take a medical release form from your prescribing doctor and a release from your ptsd doctor explaining your medications, usage and how long you have been on the medication. That will help the CME make a more informed decision regarding your driving status.
Had a tia was shut down for 1 YEAR by company doctor I have successfully completed the year with out any problems received medical release and obtained a 1year med card from a certified dot doctor my company would not accept med card they wanted me to use there doctor they contract with do I have to use there doctor.
@Andrew
All depends on what their company policy is. Are they going to pay for the re-examination? If they do, then you may need to go through with their examiner. If not, then the medical card that you have is valid and should do.
I passed out while giving blood will this disqualify me for a dot med card.?
@John
It should not be a major issue. If there is any question, then have your medical doctor write a medical release letter explaining the situation and go from there.
Can a CMV driver who takes Zyprexa for Paranoid Schizophrenia be certified? With doctor note, can he be certified? Thanks.
@John
You will need documentation from your prescribing doctor and a copy of the prescription. You should need a medical release form from your diagnosing doctor too. The medication and the condition are going to pose questions, so be as prepared as possible before you go in. GOOD LUCK
I was diagnosed with depression several years ago and was on medication. I stopped taking it before I became a driver and have never put it on my medical card form. I’m needing to get back on whatever med I can to drive but all the reports I’ve read say the doctor will need one year of stable results before allowing me to drive again. Is their any way I can get on my meds and not deal with the year of unemployment?
@Henry
A lot will depend on your doctors diagnosis and what medications he places you on. If this is not a serious condition and all he needs to prescribe is a mild medication, then the CME needs a medical release form from the doctor explaining your situation and the needs for the meds you are taking. The CME may request a short waiting period to make sure you will have no ill effects from the medication. Check with your primary doctor first and see what his thinking is – How severe is the diagnosis and how heavy are the medications. With the information in front of you before you do anything tells you where you are and what you are going to have to go through to continue driving. Good Luck
I have a friend that had a tumor removed from his brain, the day after the surgery, his arm shook uncontrollably for a few minutes so the Dr. administered so anti seizure meds to control it, (nothing was due to epilepsy). Once on the meds though he has to take them for a few weeks an have now started to back down the dosage. He only had the one episode right after the surgery, and is now on Levetiracetam 1000 MG max of 2000 MG a day. Once he is off the meds, how long does he need to be seizure free before he can resume driving? I’ve read different answers, one says two years without a seizure, and another says 5 years, but nothing is specific to this issue (Surgery induced), can you tell me what the guidelines are for a case like this?
@Bob
Part of the answer would require knowing what type of tumor was removed. There are a multitude of answers from there to address your question. Also some of the basic side-effects of the medications now being taken will raise serious safety questions too. More information is needed.
I am bipolar. I have been medically stable for over seven years with no issues and my doctor will support me on that. Is this going to disqualify me on my DOT physical?
@Max
It should not hold you back, as long as you have all the supporting documentation with you at the time of your examination. The CME needs medical releases and your doctors explanation regarding your case and a working prognosis.
I was told just yesterday I had a ruptured disc and spinal stenosis. The doctor released me with no restrictions to go back to work. The company says I’m medically disqualified because it said I needed to follow up with my primary care doctor. So is this a condition that disqualifys me?
@Chris
Not a reason to be disqualified, but does require a medical release form from your doctor and a new DOT medical certificate to determine fit for duty status.