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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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Your comments are also welcome.
Like the driver comment back on January 21, 2019 at 5:46 pm, I was also recently diagnosed with hydrocephalus due to a benign tumor and a VP shunt was put in place about a month ago. Unlike the other driver I have a interstate Class A CDL in the state of Nebraska and drive in multiple states.
Is this a problem if my doctor releases me to full duty without restrictions? If not, would downgrading my license to an intrastate license or Class B allow me to meet requirements?
Thank You
@ Robert J
With good medical documentation supporting the medical release, without restrictions, and your doctors releases in place, you should be able to maintain your class A.
Where can I find a list of Psychiatric disqualifications? What if I have depression, or am suicidal? What if I have an addiction to alcohol, or sex? I want to see what are disqualifications and what is acceptable.
@ Donald T
Check with the FMCSA website for a copy of the FMCSA guidelines.
If I try to get hired back as a company driver, will the medical card be an issue if I have to disclose that I was “voluntarily” commited about a year prior, diagnosed bipolar, but stopped taking medication(Zyprexa and Lexapro) and seeing the psychiatrist?
@ Daniel W
You will need a medical release form from your doctors and any supporting documentation that the CME may ask for.
I just had a dot physical, passed, except Dr. saw that I have been recently diagnosed with CIDP, some weakness in my arms and legs, so she failed me. I am being treated by a Neologist and have seen improvement lately. I am functioning fine doing my work, ( drywaller/carpenter) and driving, no problems. Is there an exemption for this? If My leg and arm strength was tested I’m sure I would be beyond any standard.
@ Chris G
If you are not a class A driver, then you should not be held to a DOT/FMCSA class A standard. If you carry a less than class A drivers license then you fall under the state variances. As a class A you would need to be fully released, without restrictions, to return to work. But a lesser license fall under the states requirements and you should be fine. If there is an exemption, it would come from the state and not FMCSA.
I have taken 1.5 mg per day of Xanax for many years for panic disorder. My physician wants to increase the dosage to 2.0 mg per day. Will I be able to renew my license if have a medical statement that I am able to successfully perform my driving responsibiities?
@ Mary S S
Your cdl is state issued, you need to check with your states drivers license department for answers regarding drivers license. With proper documentation and a signed medical release from your prescribing doctor, you should be OK for the DOT medical card.
I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2001 and was put on seizure medication. I have been seizure free this whole time. Will this make me fail a DOT physical?
@ Samuel
Your medications are going to be the issue. You will need documentation plus a medical release form from your prescribing doctors. As a class A over the road driver, you will have difficulties passing the DOT/FMCSA medical examination. As a intra-state only cdl holder, you would fall under the states guidelines and variances. Find a CME who understands the differences.
Can you get a cdl if you have water on your brain or know as hydrophilic
@ Matthew M
If the condition causes no symptoms and you can support the findings with medical documentation and medical release forms from your treating physicians, you may be able to obtain a medical card. Your cdl is issued by the state and has it’s own set of requirements, so check with the states DLD.
I was diagnosed 7 years ago with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis when I was 25. Had a cdl at the time, was working in the heat all day every day farm related, semi didn’t have a/c either and feel that the heat is a little of what brought it on but I turned in my cdl found another job. Since the diagnosis I have not had any problems with my MS and was wondering if my MS would disqualify me from obtaining my cdl again. My neurologist said I was fine to drive and he would sign what he needed to stating I was ok to drive. Will that be all I need or is there more to it.
@ Bill T
With a note from your doctor explaining your situation and a medical release form from him will be a huge help in the CME’s decision making process.
Awesome!!! Thank you!
I had a minor tbi and skull fracture 3 weeks ago. Can I be ok’d back to duty?
@ Gary
Your return to work will come from your treating physician. Once released to return to work, without restrictions, then take your DOT medical certification examination. You will need a medical release form from your doctor.