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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 bells palsy recently and have been a petroleum fuel hauler for over 15years, does my condition disqualify me from retaining my CDL, or passing a medical exam, and/or haul hazmat material/petroleum?
@ Lenn R
If the condition does not interfere with your ability to safely operate a CMV, then you should do fine. Bells palsy will usually run its course in a few months and then appear to go away or go into remission.
I was diagnosed with nerve damaged in my right shoulder and arm . I can use it but its painful can I still be dot certified.
Does a DOT Physician have a right to obtain My fmla application paperwork, that was created by my psychiatrist at my request, from my employer in order to issue (renew) my Medical card .
@ Lawrence A H
No, you should bring that information with you at the time of the DOT examination. It is not the CME’s responsibility to acquire the information from anyone but you. The CME may request a medical release form from your doctor so that he can make a solid final decision regarding your medical status as a capable driver.
Do prescribed antidepressants automatically disqualify someone from driving a truck? I am on 300 mg of Welbutrin daily and did not pass the drug screening exam at the CDL school because of that.
Is the problem with all antidepressants, just some of the dosage?
@ Rachelle F
Not an automatic disqualification, but medical release forms and the ability to pass a drug screen will help. Get a release form from your prescribing doctor. That helps answer many questions. First it explains the medications found in the drug screen and you could possibly pass the test and you will need information for the DOT examiner for him/her to make a final decision regarding you and your situation.
I have bipolar disorder for several years and am taking a medication called Fanapt. I’ve been taking it for over 2 years. The examiner was concerned because he said the medication treats seizures. My treating doctor wrote it was not given for seizures. Now he wants her write I can drive, she doesn’t want to write that and I don’t understand it. What are my options? Do I have any? I’ve been driving for 2 years would it make a difference if I downgraded to a Class B? Help! I don’t know what to do!
@ John
If your prescribing doctor is indicating that the medications are not being used to control seizures, then your examiner should be able to move forward on the certification process. It is not your prescribing doctors responsibility to sign off on this. You may want to go for a second opinion, if the DOT examiner is still reluctant.
My friend injured the back of the head and neck and now has migraines which never had and unfortunately was terminated due to restrictions and the neurologist released with restrictions due to the migraines which takes prescription sumatriptan succ 100mg for it and can only work during daytime not sure when they might fully release or if capable of being released to full duty. Cdl A holder and is due for new dot card soon should my friend take the dot physical or wait to see what happens with medication and migraines or would the dot doctor disqualify or deny the medical card due to the restrictions.
@ Lesley
Your friend will not pass a class A medical certification examination due to the restrictions.
Is Multiple Sclerosis a automatic CDL disqualifier or can it be conditional with a neurologists approval and continued supervision, combined with a passing DOT psychical exam?
No it is not. You will need to do some serious legwork depending on how difficult the medical examiner wants to make it on you as they will want to shift the liability off onto your neurologist. This may force you be have to undergo a neurological assessment for driving. Takes 2 hours in the lab and two hours behind the wheel. I just completed this in central Ohio last week. Also they will only certify you for 6 months and then you have to do it all over again.
Yes, this Medical Examiner is extremely difficult. He has said no to me 2x’s. After two Neurologists have approved me as Fit for Duty.
I’m using my Union and now I will need to get an exam from a 3rd party neurologist. If this exam passes in my favor then according to the Unions by-laws I am supposed to be going back to work. I’m sure I will pass this exam but, I’m still worried that they will try and use this medical examiner opinion against me and I’ll remain Unemployed.
@ Desmond L
If you have a valid medical certification card, then you should be fine for the cdl. Check with your local drivers license department for final confirmation too.
If someone has had a CDL class A for 20 plus years and they go to see a Behavioral Therapist to discuss problems and possible depression, but do not take any medications for this, Does that need to be reported at the next CDL physical? And if so, does this cause the CDL class A renewal to be denied?
@ Burb
If you are not taking any medications and only when in for an opinion, then simply answer all the questions on the medical form honestly. CDL maintenance is fulfilled with a valid medical certificate.