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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 had a stroke a year ago but still have minor problem with right arm and leg,I can make them do what I want but not without slight difficulty,will dot doctor pass me?
@ watson R S
Not without your ability to fulfill the FMCSA drivers job description, without restrictions or limitations.
Husband got a letter stating his CDL has been downgraded, he got his reminder that the medical card expired a couple months ago. Couldn’t take the DOT exam because he hasn’t been cleared to go back to work after neck surgery (end of July). It says he has to appeal? How do you do that? Live in St. Louis County, MO.
@ KB
Check with your local DLD for the best answer.
I had a car accident in 1978 and was in a comma for 4 days. I have been granted a CDL and have had one for many years. I let it go last year because I did not neee it. I was awarded a new position and went to renew my CDL and the physical Dr told me that due to a major head injury…. that he could not pass me. Really????
@ Brad B
Get a medical release form from your neurologist explaining the time frame and likely prognosis. That should be sufficient for the DOT examiner.
can a subarachnoid hemorrage disqualify you from operating a commercial vehicle? I had a ruptured subarachnoid hemorrage in 2011 and spent a month in the ICU.
@ Gerald H S
Most likely, you would have great difficulty documenting your over-all ability to operate a CMV safely. CME’s are looking at the potential safety risk, for both the public at large and the drivers themselves.
Question: I was driving a school bus and had a stroke early September. The neurologist wants another mri with contrast. Will I be able to drive a school bus again. HE has cleared me once my new glasses come in. I live and drive in NY state
@ Mike H
You fall under the states variances, so check with your state DLD. You should be OK to drive school bus, if all else is wintin normal limits.
I was injured by steel that was knocked from my trailer on February 28, 2018. I had brain surgery that night. On June 5, 2018 I passed my dot physical and had to take forms to be filled out by the Neurologist. He stated that I could possibly have a seizure and they denied my physical. I was sent to a General Doctor and new Neurologist in August. Both doctors said it was just a slight chance I could have a seizure. The physician assistant denied to look at the forms and redo my physical for one year. Is this possible per FMCSA?
@ Shelly R
Yes, according to the FMCSA guidelines.
In the early 1990’s I was diagnosed with Menieres Disease in my left ear. I then had a Vestibular Nerve Section, and finally a Labyrinthectomy. So, I do not have a functioning left ear labyrinth, as it was removed. I have been symptom free for over 20-years, and zero balance problems overall. I have regular hearing tests and have almost perfect hearing in my right ear, which means no more Menieres Disease.
My local ENT says that I no longer have Menieres, due to my surgery, and good hearing tests. I just went to the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles, and saw Dr. Mia Miller who is a specialist in Menieres. She also says I no longer have Menieres, although I do not have a functioning left ear labyrinth, as it was removed.
I have also sent an email to FMCSA asking for clarification, as they note that if you have had surgery for Menieres, they are investigating, since 2014. Still waiting for further clarification.
Any thoughts on my specific situation?
I am wanting to semi-retire and drive OTR for the next 10-15 years until I fully retire. I am currently 53 years old.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Thanks,
@ Steven B
You should not have any issues with the DOT medical examination. Make sure you take any supporting documentation with you and you should be fine.
what if AI was presrived dilantinmore than 10 yrs ago but thave not taken any in over 2 years with no problems can AI keep my cdl
@ Lance K
Keep your cdl? Or pass a DOT medical certification examination for CDL holders. The medication will cause questions and will need supporting documentation. Be as prepared as possible before going in for the exam.