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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.
If I have paralysis of my right foot after having polio as a child will this keep me from being DOT certified. I have been driving with CDL and DOT Certification for 10+ years but this was brought up with my physical today. I had a letter from a specialist 10+ years ago saying I would be safe to drive but don’t have that letter any more. Advice?
@ William W
For a class A cdl, the examiner may request a letter from your primary physician. Or he may request a new evaluation by a specialist. For a lesser class cdl you would fall under the states guidelines and you should be fine, if the examiner know the difference between state and federal guidelines.
Can I get a DOT card in Texas if I have bipolar disorder?
@ Crystal
For a class A it will require supporting medical documentation from your doctors, but it is possible. A lesser class cdl will fall under your states guidelines and requirements.
Is a spinal cord stimulator an automatic disqualifier?
@ Will
No, there will be questions and most likely a request for further documentation from your doctors.
I had a unprovoked seizure in 2015.its been 6 years not taking medication got a neurologist to write out a statement.i got a dot psysical in 2020 the dot doctor at concerta said i have to wait 10 years didnt even look at the paper work.didnt want to hear anything i said pass my ergimes which is negative non epileptic activity.the federal law states that with a negative eeg not on medication that you can get a waiver go back to work.need answers why they are not passing me can you help.
@ Darius M
Go some where else and get a DOT medical examination. Take your documentation with you. The medical examiner will need it in his/her decision making process.
I was recently hospitalized for undiagnosed hypertension, acute cerebral hemmorrhage from a cavernous malformation Developmental venous anomaly. I did not have a stroke or a siezure. I have a CDL class A in New Jersey will I be able to renew my medical card
@ Not the producer
It may be possible. You will need supporting medical documentation from your doctors. The CME will have to review your situation and circumstances be fore making his final decision.
I have arthritis in my hands shoulders and knees, the pain is making it hard to firmly grasp the steering wheel and enter and exit the truck. I also have diabetic neuropathy in my feet, it is not always bad. What should I do about my physical and would I qualify for disability?
@ Russell
We have no idea about possible disability. First rule of order would be to get with a good physician and get your situation/conditions under full control. Your family is depending on you. Once you have done that, then you’ll know what to do next.
I don’t have seizures or epilepsy of any kind but have diabetic neuropathy in my feet.doctor want to put me on gabapentin 300 mg for it but was told it’s a disqualifing drug even prescribed.is this true.looked on internet dot lists and can’t find it anywhere but if ya look it up it is also for seizures with epilepsy. Any help appreciated
@ Leslie r
The medication is going to raise many questions with the medical examiner. One, it is marked for seizures, so you would need a letter explaining why it is being prescribed. You will also need a medical release form from your prescribing doctor. Two, you have not started this medication and its side effects have not been ruled out either. And there are some serious side effects. Meaning you would be on a 30 day waiting period to determine no negative/adverse effects. After the waiting period you would need a new medical certificate. Three, even the diabetic neuropathy should be severely questioned by the CME.
One of the side effects of gabapentin is memory loss. I know this because I use gabapentin. However I’m getting a spinal stimulator so I should be able to get off of all my meds and hopefully be able to get back under the steering wheel!
My husband suffered a mild tbi 6 months ago. Slight bleeding on the brain at the time, but all his tests have come back fine and hes recovered fine. His dr has released him to go back to work but his med card expired and when he went to get it renewed, they denied him. Can any neurologist release him or does it have to be a dot neurologist?
@ Sara
Any neurologist can provide the needed documentation for the CME.