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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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can a neurologist revoke a medical card and if so who do you inform that its being revoked? Or who reports it?
@ Big Guy trucker
Unless the neurologist is a certified examiner on the FMCSA registry, then he cannot revoke a medical certificate. But it does raise questions as to why he would want to do so.
Tbi/pcs/ vertigo to name main symptoms that came from a head injury
@ Big guy trucker
Then it is not the neurologist that is classing you as disqualified, it should be the DOT examiner. And the examiner has to have supporting documentation and information from your neurologist before he can make his final decision of pass or fail.
I had my physical/drug test this past week just worried cause I had anxiety a year and half ago I took Xanax for my anxiety but I’ve been off and medically released from my doctor a year and a half ago will that affect my chances of getting my class A license
@ Erik
It should not be an issue, but you may need a medical release form from the prescribing doctor explaining your situation.
My brother had a anyurism removed 10 years ago. He is saying now that he cant get a medical card because of ut. We want to team up but, question is can he get a medical card
@ Larry S
Your brother may need to have a medical release form from his doctor, but other wise he should be fine.
I received a concussion back in 2011. It was a minor concussion with 0 long term effects, I didn’t even lose consciousness. The doctor that I was sent to for my physical wants me to get a neurologist to sign off saying that I am good to drive. My PC won’t give a referral for one because they said that I shouldn’t need one but since they aren’t a neurologist, the other doctor won’t accept a medical release opinion from them. I have also tried to see about getting my medical card through another doctor but my company is requiring me to go through the first doctor. So I guess my question is, is there any sort of regulation that I can use to support that I don’t need a neurologist to sign off due to it being a minor concussion that happened more than 7 years ago?
@ Michael T
You are between a rock and a hard place. The company has some type of relationship with their examiner. You can request a second opinion, period.
I was diagnosed with pcs from my concussion and still dealing with some issues. What is the reality that I will never get a medical card to drive commercially again?
@ Swuatchy
First answer still stands.
Will being diagnosed with pcs from a concussion prevent me from getting a medical card again?
@ Squatchy
All depending on the ongoing symptoms. Have a medical release form from your prescribing doctor with his working diagnosis. That will be a huge help to the CME.
I am a school bus driver in Alabama. I’ve been unable to find specific information on my issue. I was just diagnosed with chronic ptsd as a result of 31 years in public safety. I am currently on xanax and will be beginning therapy and possibly prescribed other meds. Is this a death sentence in regards to my school bus career? if I’m honest there are days that I’m super stressed while driving and i’m worried that my meds will sedate me too much to drive safely. It’s a paradox that is very confusing to me.
@ James A
As a school bus driver, you fall under the states guidelines and regulations, so check with your local DLD. Remember, it’s all about safety to both you and the general public at large. You should be on any new medication for at least thirty days before returning to driving.
I had a stroke in early June the only the that was effected was my voice which I am taking speech therapy and getting better everyday I do drive local what are my chances of returning.
@ Travis D M
If you drive intra-state only, then your chances are good, based on your states variances. FMCSA will hold you to at least one year waiting period before considering a new DOT medical certificate.