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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 have been diagnosed with brain lesions and cerebral atrophy,terrible headaches have taken medical leave applying for disability. Is my condition automatic disqualified for my CDl trying to establish disability and retire. Any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks Robert
Yes. “Disability” means disabled.
My problem is complicated. I have had nerve damage in my lower right leg for years but have always passed dot physical. Recently I broke my right hip and have damaged my femoral nerve and cannot walk because of pain issues. The injury was in November and the feedback I am getting from my docs is not good, he has said with my history no doctor is going to pass me for a dot card, even if I can walk at some point. My injury happened at work and I will not lie about my medical condition to anyone to keep my license, and of course workers comp is giving me a hard time about everything. Could someone tell me who I can talk to regarding my medical nightmare and what My rights are regarding all of this.
Thank You, Tom Anderson
@Thomas
Until you are fully healed and released from your doctors care, there is nothing you need to do. Once you are healed and you know where you stand in regards to your physical condition, there may be things and/or waivers that may allow you to go back to driving. First get well and see where you are. As far as looking into your other issues, you may want to deal with a good attorney.
Get an attorney, if BWC is giving you trouble. You can have a FCE (functional capacity exam) done. Go to an Occupational Health Center with an affiliation with a Physical Therapy Department.
I suffer from what’s now being called Familial hemeplegic migraines about once per year. I live in CO I always know when one is coming on and I have time to drive to a safe place to shut down. I have done this without incident for over 15 years. New information says that the the drug Imitrex that I have been taking should not be taken with this class of migraine and could actually cause a stroke. It has been suggested that I be placed on Beta Blockers or an anti seizure medicine as a preventative instead of a treatment. I know if a dot doc sees anti seizure meds I will not pass the DOT physical or can have my card taken. What about Beta blockers? My mother suffers from frequent migraines and the beta blockers seem to be eliminating the severity and frequency. Mine are infrequent, but are severe.
@Mike
You are correct with your seizure medication and not clearing a DOT medical examination.
As far as the beta blockers, you need to talk with your primary doctor regarding this issue. Some beta blockers will still have possible side effects that may cause questions. So check with your PCP and be on the lookout for things like dizziness or other possible side effects from the new medications.
The DOT medical examiner will need a medical release from your doctor, explaining your use of medication.
Can i pass a DOT physical with neuropathy
@Adus
That will depend on a lot of factors. If your condition does interfere with your ability to operate a CMV safely or restricts your ability to pass the DOT “Fit for Duty” examination, then no you will not pass the examination for the medical certificate. All that being said, it really depends on the extent of your condition.
Does Dystonia disqualify from a medical card
@John
It will depend on the level of your condition. The Dystonia is also progressive and your medical cards would be short, so that everyone involved can continue to monitor your condition and your situation. Safety first, not your condition is what FMCSA and the medical examiner are going to be looking at.
my husband has been dx with POTS a type of dystonia what type of DOT restrictions will he have to have to qualify for a DOT renewel
@ tammy c
see above.
Are you able to drive a class a truck if you have ms
@Mike
If you can pass the medical certification examination and are found to be ‘fit for duty’, then you should not have any issues. Make sure you take a medical release form from your doctor. That will answer most of the DOT examiners questions.
How long after a severe concousion does a class a driver have to wait to get medically cleared to return to driving OTR
@James
It will depend on lots of things. Type of injury, conscious or unconscious, any neurological signs or symptoms, etc. Not just one simple answer.
Once cleared by your primary doctor, have him fill out a medical release form and take it with you. It will answer lots of the CME’s questions and help him make a more informed decision for you.
On Feb 3rd 2015 I passed out for no reason and ended up having 3 staples in the back of my head I was sent to a neurologist and had an eeg the results showed that I have partial seizures and put on medication he stated that I could not go back to driving a truck for 90 days per the KY law. He sated that if I couldn’t go back to driving then he would put me on disability but I want to go back to work. Will I ever get to go back to driving otr .
@Rodney
This will really depend on what type of driving you are talking about.
As an OTR driver, it will be a long time before you will be able to return to the road.
As a local, intra-state driver, then it may be a shorter wait period. But you need to consider both the safety for yourself and for the public at large. Follow up with your neurologist and see what he is thinking, then consider what other options you may have for work that does not entail driving. Or if driving, what type. Good Luck