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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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had a stroke in sept 2017 doctors say i;m ok to return to work iAM CDL driver over the road..but employer states drivers must be off duty for 1year after stroke..can not find dot reg on this any help would be greatly helpfull thanks
@Dave
FMCSA guidelines are asking for a one year waiting period following a stroke. This is due to the fact that some stroke patients have additional symptoms following the first stroke that make them a safety risk.
Our son is a high functioning autistic, he has Asperger’s syndrome. He has his CDL class A license, he recently completed a course at West Georgia Tech. As part of his medication, he takes Vyvanse, which is a Class 2 narcotic.
My question is…. Can companies choose to not hire him because of this medication and the possible liability?
@ Brian
Yes, companies are allowed to impose stricter regulations then the FMCSA.
Thank you.
I was told I could not drive otr for 1 year after a stroke but I could drive locally. What peremiters classify a job as local vs otr?
@ Richard
If you are going to drive intra-state only, it will be indicated on your medical card as such. Federal gets strange when it comes to what is classed as intra-state and interstate commerce. If you stay within the states boundary lines and the materials that you are hauling start and stay within the state, then it’s intra-state. all else is classed as interstate. You should check with your local drivers license department to confirm your states guidelines.
If I fail to disclose an event in my medical history such as a stroke could my cdl be in jeapordy?
@ Richard
Falsifying information on a federal form could cost you your CDL.
My husband suffered a concussion at work in September. He was cleared to go back to work by his neuroloigist last week. He went to get his DOT physical today and they told him it would be 2 years. He did not have a seizure and is only on migraine medications as a precaution. Is this true he has to wait 2 years?
I was told by the company DOT doctor, that I could not get a DOT health card for 2 months, due to being on Melizine for 10 days due to vertigo, I live in North Carolina and drive a transit bus. Is this true, and if not how can i fight it?
I have a history of hydrocephaulus, but it is maintained by a VP shunt. Does this disqualify from obtaining DOT Medical clearance?
I took my CDL two weeks ago and passed it the first time. I had applied for a school bus driver position, filled out the CDL application and gave DMV the medical waiver that the school board gave me. I also listed my health conditions, lupus, fibromyalgia and the medications that I had been prescribed on an as needed basis. Lyrica, Oxycodone, Lunesta, Arava, and Benlysta. I was then told that I couldn’t get my learners and my Rhematologist would have to complete a medical form. My doctor has completed the form but stated my prescriptions eere on a as needed basis only. She couldn’t state if the medication affected me when I drove etc. I was told by the school board that their waiver should have avoided all of this drama. What are your opinios about this?