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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 just failed my DOT because I had a concoction when I was 6 years old. I have been driving for over 35 years with it. I was told that I should never had been aloud to drive truck. Is this right?
@ Kevan
Go some where else for a second opinion. Someone is over-reading the guidelines from DOT/FMCSA.
I am an HR director and one of our drivers returned to work recently after 3 months off. He provided a release from his Neurologist not stating the condition he was off with. I have access to medical records and found he has has a stroke. I am unable to divulge this information to his Manager as it is confidential. My question is, should he have had another DOT exam before he returned to driving? His current DOT is from July 21 and he had a stroke in October 21. Can I press his manager to get this done? If so and he answers the questions truthfully, shouldn’t he be disqualified for 1 year post stroke re FMCSA guidelines? If he is not truthful at his DOT exam, do I have any redress here? I am concerned about this drivers fitness to drive with the medical information I have.
Thank you.
@ A.J
Your driver, if class A, must have a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination before returning to driving. You are correct in the one year wait following a stroke. If he lies to the medical examiner, he is putting himself and others, including the company, at risk. He needs work and needs to provide for his family, so see if there is a way to help him out before confronting him.
Does POTS disqualify me? It’s pretty classic presentation, never dizzy or lightheaded while sitting, ans it’s pretty mild, basically only causes lightheadedness if I stand up for way too long, or bend down and stand back up too quickly.
@ Lynn
It will raise questions with any CME. With some supporting medical documentation from your primary, you may be OK. The CME will be looking at possible risk factors primarily.
Can you get medical card cdl intrastate A in Iowa if had successful prostate cancer surgery and all cancer undetectable now?
@ BOB
Most likely, but confirm with your local drivers license department.
I have a mood disorder it’s controlled by lamotrigine. I am getting a letter for taking the pills but the name of my condition scares people. Can an examiner disqualify me even if I have the doctors note?
@ Christi M
The CME will be looking for supporting medical documentation that you are not a safety risk to yourself or the public at large. The note will be helpful and the CME may request additional information.
Can I get a CDL in Pennsylvania if i take zyprexa and zoloft for schizophrenia and anxiety but symptoms are well under control.
@ John
All cdl’s are state issued, so confirm with your local drivers license department.
Is neuropathy a disqualifying condition
@ Mark S
It will raise questions with the CME, who may ask for additional medical documentation. If it does not interfere with your ability to safely operate a cmv, then it should not be an issue.
I had a traumatic brain injury in high school and I was medically put under for the night. I woke up around 12 hours later and I don’t remember a whole lot from the next few days. I have looked into it and I believe this injury would be considered a mild TBI. I went through some rehab and was blessed to make a full recovery. That injury was 7 years ago, I’v never had a seizure and am perfectly healthy. I have recently become interested in getting my CDL, would I still be able to?
@ Aaron M
Your situation may raise questions with the medical examiner. He/she may request additional medical documentation from your physicians. If it all checks out OK, you should be fine.
Thanks! How do I go about getting that started?
@ Aaron M.
Go for the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. The CME should guide you from there, if he needs additional information. If you are investigating class A cdl, be aware of stricter guidelines and regulations for the fed. Lesser class cdl’s are state guidelines and variances.
Would my moderate TBI disqualify me from the CDL A?
@ Aaron M
Your situation will raise questions with the medical examiner. They may request additional medical documentation from your physicians. If it all checks out OK, you should be fine.
I fell off of a ladder and cut my head open .. I had to have stitches but never blacked out or had a concussion or any type of traumatic brain injury. Would just cutting my head open and getting stitches cause my medical card to go from 2 year certification to 1 year certification??
@ Will T
We have no idea as to why a medical examiner would do this, unless he is suspecting some other underlying condition.