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Q&A
I have a hernia. Will this disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?
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)
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Post Laminectomy DOT questions
Post laminectomy DOT physical
I’m a cdl holder with a dot expires in soon. I’m not currently driving commercially & haven’t since the surgery. I have returned driving personal vehicle.
I had a t10 laminectomy last August in Iowa. I did 3 weeks rehab in Omaha, Ne. Then I moved to Az w/family.
I continued physical therapy for “dead butt” syndrome.
Ok, I’m recovered/ing. I run, I pass mock exams & get a clear Babinski reflex. Indo jumping jacks, one legged bounding, etc.
So I want to go back to work which means I need to get a DOT exam.
My problem is the surgeon won’t release me, he hasn’t seen me since sept. I can’t get into my local neurologist until a June appt & my next pcp is late march.
On my own I scheduled & am paying for a Functional Capacity Evaluation (fit for work exam) but that’s still weeks away & after my med card expires.
So my current plan is take a dot exam, disclose the surgery from 7 months ago & the examiner can tell I’m recovered to drive.
Any advice about this?
Also, I’m curious what questions or scrutiny can I prepare for? I’m also a bit nervous I could lose my cdl entirely. Any feedback is appreciated.
@ AaronB
It would be very helpful and may end up being a necessity for the CME. Medical release forms and a full return to work are needed for DOT/FMCSA. If you are ready to go, the medical examiner will not have any issues other than paperwork.
I have drop foot my left foot. I operate my vehicle with my right foot. Also, don’t most trucking companies have automatic transmissions, then I would drive a truck using right foot. Even though the drop foot is my left foot, would that disqualify me from getting DOT medical card? Do I need to get my spe certification? What are the steps I need to take and what order? I want to obtain a DOT medical card, so I can get my CdL class A.
@ Carrie K
If you wear a brace for the left foot, then you could be OK. It is not a disqualifier in its self, but will raise questions with the CME. We do not believe you will need a SPE certification if you are going to be driving an automatic.
i had triple bypass surgery 2 years ago. now I’m told that I need a stress test. Do you know the name and details of that test?
Thanks
Glen
@ glen b
Your cardiologist will need to order the stress test, so get the information from them. If you are a class A cdl holder, you will need a stress test every two years and your medical card will be good for one year at a time. If you are a lesser class cdl holder or intra-state only driver, you will fall under your states guidelines and variances. Check with your local DLD.