DOT Physical Doctors

Driver Friendly™ DOT Physical Locations

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Driver Q&A
  • Blog
  • Doctors Only
  • Contact
  • Find a DOT Doctor
You are here: Home / Driver Questions… And Answers / Extremities and Trunk

Extremities and Trunk

musculo-skeletal med

 

403dPlease read through the Q&A before posting a question. This will help everyone to not have duplicate questions. Thank you!

If you still can’t find a related answer, then you are welcome to
ask your question in the comments section below.

Q&A

I have a hernia. Will this disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?

I had hernia surgery three years ago. There is some scar tissue which causes a little discomfort from time to time but in no way renders me unable to perform any tasks. Will this cause me to fail a DOT physical?

I have a hernia that does not give me any trouble. The doctor I saw for my DOT exam says I have to get it repaired before my next exam. What if my regular doctor says that we can do watchful waiting instead of surgery? What are my rights under the law about this?

What if I have a limb impairment? Am I disqualified?

I have a hernia. Will this disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?

If the hernia does not interfere with your operation of a commercial motor vehicle, then there is no problem.
If you have pain and are limited in some way, then you should take care of the problem before it does become a serious problem.

I had hernia surgery three years ago. There is some scar tissue which causes a little discomfort from time to time but in no way renders me unable to perform any tasks. Will this cause me to fail a DOT physical?

During the examination you will be questioned regarding the hernia surgery. Just let the medical examiner know how this effects you and whether it interferes with your daily activities. Some companies have restrictions, but this is a company policy not a DOT regulation.

I have a hernia that does not give me any trouble. The doctor I saw for my DOT exam says I have to get it repaired before my next exam. What if my regular doctor says that we can do watchful waiting instead of surgery? What are my rights under the law about this?

The DOT examiner is looking at a progressive condition, but if you will take a note from your primary doctor who has evaluated your condition and understands what you really do for a living, then the DOT examiner should consider your primary doctor’s opinion. However, the final decision to certify you, or not, remains with the medical examiner.

What if I have a limb impairment? Am I disqualified?

It is possible to apply for an exemption. FMCSA has a certificate program for drivers with limb impairments. FMCSA also has a special certification program for drivers with missing limbs. (see FMCSA Skill Performance Evaluation)

Can’t Find An Answer For Your Question?

more questions

If you have a question that you feel has not been answered, scroll down to the Questions and Comments box and post your question.

  • Before posting, please make sure you are on the appropriate Category page, so that relevant questions and answers can be found by other drivers too.
  • To save us all from zombie spammers, your question will not appear on this page until it has been approved.
  • Trucker Docs™ will answer your question as soon as possible.
  • Visit this page again soon to see our response.
    P.S. Your email address will not be published.

Your comments are also welcome.

Comments

  1. Zack Z says

    June 23, 2022 at 9:59 pm

    I am out of work on FMLA because of a back injury. I’m am scheduled for surgery on my spine in July. There is no way I can pass a physical now, but I don’t want to lose my CDL. Thanks for direction.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      June 24, 2022 at 7:05 am

      @ Zack Z
      Check with your local drivers license department and explain your circumstances. They should have a process in place for situations like yours.

      Reply
  2. Mary P S says

    June 16, 2022 at 7:15 pm

    Can you drive a big truck with numb foot and toes

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      June 17, 2022 at 6:52 am

      @ Mary P S
      Best to find the cause of the numbness and have it corrected, if possible. If the condition is being caused by a neuropathy, then there is an underlying condition which will be questioned by the CME.

      Reply
  3. Robert L says

    June 14, 2022 at 10:10 am

    What happens in Massachusetts if you can’t pass a DOT physical due to surgery recovery on my leg is there a leniency will they give you an extension.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      June 15, 2022 at 6:24 am

      @ Robert L
      DOT/FMCSA has already given you an extension until the end of August.

      Reply
      • Robert L says

        June 16, 2022 at 7:12 am

        Meaning my license won’t be downgraded until the end of August thank you

        Reply
        • Trucker Docs™ says

          June 17, 2022 at 6:58 am

          @ Robert L
          Meaning DOT/FMCSA has extended your deadline until the end of August. Check with your states drivers license department for a confirmation. And still, do not put it off, just in case…

          Reply
          • Robert L says

            June 17, 2022 at 10:04 am

            Thank you for your help I’ve been worried about what would happen and now at least I have some direction on were to start appreciate your help

          • Trucker Docs™ says

            June 18, 2022 at 7:25 am

            @ Robert L
            Glad to help. We wish we had all the answers, but…

  4. Tony says

    June 8, 2022 at 7:14 pm

    Recently went to cdl physical for medical card, spoke with physician about arm surgery, they agreed that i dont have immobility issue for driving, but asked for medical notes from recent doc visits. My medical status is pending, should i be ok?
    I feel i dont have an issue, my left arm doesnt stretch all the way out, thats it.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      June 9, 2022 at 6:41 am

      @ Tony
      You are OK, the CME is requesting additional information to support his decision to grant you a full medical certificate.

      Reply
      • Tony says

        June 9, 2022 at 10:35 am

        Thanks doc, truly appreciate it. been stressing out about this for awhile now.

        Reply
        • Trucker Docs™ says

          June 10, 2022 at 7:03 am

          @ Tony
          You are welcome.

          Reply
  5. Adrian L says

    June 8, 2022 at 12:57 am

    If clearance is needed by an Orthopedic Surgeon for a hand deformity, does the surgeon have to be certified to medically clear CDL drivers, or can any surgeon do it as long as the right paperwork is provided? Able to drive a hostler vehicle with no issues

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      June 8, 2022 at 6:45 am

      @ Adrian L
      Regular orthopedic doctor with the proper paperwork is all that is needed.

      Reply
  6. Greg says

    June 2, 2022 at 5:54 pm

    What if you are on workmans comp and you will be pass your dead line to renew before being released

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      June 3, 2022 at 6:57 am

      @ Greg
      Most state are lenient with situations like yours. Get a medical done as soon as you are released to return to work and get it into the state.

      Reply
« Older Comments

Comments and Questions Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

find DOT physical location

DOT Physical Without Hassles

Guidebook cover - 30

What you need to know about getting your Medical Card.
Get the GUIDEBOOK here

Driver Q&A Categories

BP and Hypertension
Breathing
Cardiovascular
Extremities and Trunk
FMCSA Regulations
Hearing
Medications
Neurologic and Mental
Sleep Disorders
Vision
Other Questions

Blog Categories

  • Ask Trucker Docs (1)
  • DOT Medical Card (5)
  • DOT Medical Requirements (10)
  • FMCSA Regulations (11)
  • Medical Conditions (7)
  • Sleep Apnea (6)
  • Trucker Stories (1)
  • Uncategorized (2)

DOT Physical DOCTORS by State

   

Alabama     Alaska     Arizona     Arkansas     California     Colorado     Connecticut     Delaware     Florida     Georgia     Hawaii     Idaho     Illinois     Indiana     Iowa     Kansas     Kentucky     Louisiana     Maine     Maryland     Massachusetts    Michigan     Minnesota     Mississippi     Missouri     Montana    Nebraska     Nevada     New Hampshire     New Jersey     New Mexico     New York     North Carolina     North Dakota    Ohio     Oklahoma     Oregon     Pennsylvania     Rhode Island     South Carolina     South Dakota     Tennessee     Texas     Utah     Vermont     Virginia    Washington     West Virginia     Wisconsin     Wyoming

(click on State name)

Search DOTPhysicalDOCTOR.com

The information provided on this website should not serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Please see a qualified medical provider if you have any concerns about your state of health.

Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions

About | Contact | Sitemap

DOCTORS ONLY

CME Marketing

CME Premier Plan

MEMBER Login

MEMBER Resources / Cancel

Copyright ©2010-2022 Emiton LLC All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized duplication or publication of any materials from this site is expressly prohibited.