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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 6 months ago, and i still have 60% blockage to my brain. They also stented an 80% blockage in the left side of my heart. I am at a 59% risk of another stroke in the first year. Can i get a new class medical card ? Or am i done driving ?
@ Thomas C
You are on a long waiting period following your stroke. Until you are fully released to return to work without restrictions or limitations, you will not be eligible for a new medical card. Once fully released and your waiting periods are done, you may be able to return to driving, but you will need supporting medical documentation from your doctors. This will help the CME in their decision making process.
I have an essential tremor. I’ve been contemplating some of the procedures to remedy the tremors. Right now they don’t prevent me from doing my job but as with anything abnormal its annoying. If I did the gamma knife or neuravive or dbs procedures, would this disqualify me from being a trucker?
@ Roy C
Having any procedure done will require a new medical certification examination, once released to return to work, without restrictions or limitations. As long as you can perform the duties of a class A cmv operator, you should be fine.
I have degenerative disc disease. Can this prevent me from being a truck driver?
@ S McD
If the condition does not limit you in your ability to perform the duties of a CMV operator, then you should be fine.
If I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and have a successful treatment (DBS, deep brain stimulation), how do I requalify for my CDL?
@ Alyse D
Your cdl is state issued, so best to check with your local drivers license department for proper guidance on this issue. You will need a new medical card, sometime in the future. Make sure you bring a doctors release to return to work and a medical release form too. The CME may request additional documentation to aid in his/her decision making process.
Question: I have tremors; however, when driving, or parking etc., concentrating on other driving functions, my hands relax. Went to the CME in Atlanta to update my med card and she stated that I will need a clearance from a neurologist . Just completed the brain scan which the radiologist states that I have low level amounts of Dopamine as indicated by the Iodine injectected to perform the scan indicating I have SYMPTOMS of Parkinson,s and/or Essential Tremor.. My Neurologist has perscribed medication to better conrtol the tremors.
I noticed your post of 2 September 2020 in response to Bradley S 19 August 2020 wherein he stated he has an early stage of Parkinson,s . Is it possible that I may be able to maintain my CDL, should my condition be controlled by medication? . Essential Tremor is Ok; however is controlled symptoms of Parkinson,s automatically disqualifiying ? Thanks ! need your response. Trucker Docs near zip 30350 ?
@ Donald M B
As long as the present symptoms are controlled and you can perform the duties of a CMV operator, then you should be OK. The CME may want to assess your condition on a yearly basis, just to check and see how you are doing. Your medications and your situation will raise questions and may need to be supported with medical documentation to help the CME in their decision making process.
Will I fail a DOT psychical if I voluntarily checked into Behavioral Health to get mental help?
@ Bob
Your situation will be questioned and will require supporting medical documentation to aid in the CME’s decision making process.
I was told after being in the hospital for mental health that I had to wait one year
@ Cory
It will depend on the reasoning behind the hospitalization. You will need a medical release from your doctors before taking a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination for a class A driver.
I have Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune neuro-muscular disease, and with my regular regimen of Methotrexate, I have been symptom free for two years this August. Would this prevent me from getting a CDL?
@ Debbie
Your condition and medications will raise questions for the CME. He/She will request supporting documentation to aid in their decision making process.
I recently found out I have a 4 cm brain aneurysm, can I keep my commercial license
@ greg t
It will raise questions with the CME and he will be requesting additional medical documentation and medical release forms from your doctors.