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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 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.
Got sick with COVID-19 and got TIA’s from clotting caused by the dread disease. They stopped a soon as I beat the illness. Is my class A on hold for a year? I’m an Oregon driver, doubles/triples/hazmat.
@ Steven
You are in a one year waiting period due to the TIA’s.
if i had a dizzy spell and fell down is my license suspended for 6 months even if i get a doctor to say I’m ok
@ Brian H
You will need supporting documentation from your doctors before you go for your next DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. Have them explain what happened and what their prognosis is.
I see a Neurologist for Peripheral Neuropathy and take Gabapentin. My Neurologist gave me a letter stating he has cleared me for driving. Will this letter clear me through an exam? Is there something else I should do first.
@ AG
The medication is going to raise questions, because it is listed as an anti-convulsant. The CME may request clarity from your neurologist. He/she will want to know the reasoning and the length of time you have been using these meds.
Hi I take abilify cymbalta and lamyctal every morning and invega every month through injection. I’m curious if I hold a medical certificate which I do if I can be hired by any company.
@ James
There are serious questions as to how you hold a valid medical card, or you are not a class A driver. Companies have their own rules for hiring and you would need to confirm with any company you are wishing to work for.
I got a doctors note disclosing My history
@ James
it still depends on the class license you carry.
Hi. I’m wondering if trucking companies would hire Me. I take abilify 15 mg cymbalta 60 mg, lamyctal 200 mg, and invega every month through an injection. It’s all for ocd. I don’t really have any side effects. I have a medical certificate.
@ James
What class cdl do you hold?
hello good people!
i apologize if this might sound like a silly question, but i really can’t find anywhere straight and simple answer to it.
can a cdl driver, after surviving a stroke, ever get his/her dot medical card again for a regular 2 year period time or he/she will always get it just for 1 year from that moment, no matter what (even if being 10 years perfectly healthy after the stroke..)?
if that’s true, does that means that the visit to neurologist is also a must every year – just before dot card expiration? or neurologist is enough to give their opinion only once (that first time after the stroke)?
thank you and stay safe ☺️
@ Gordon
It will always be a one year card from the time of the stroke and you must be symptom free with no anti-convulsant meds. Each time you go for your DOT/FMCSA medical examination, the CME will request a recent neurologist release form. And the neurologist needs to understand the demands of your work and a basic understanding of the DOT/FMCSA guidelines.
my husband is a UPS package car driver recently dx with POTS a type of dystonia What issues will he face with DOT because of this condition
@ tammy c
We will assume that he is not a class A driver. If that is true, then he falls under your states guidelines and variances and not federal DOT/FMCSA.
Best to check with your local DLD for direction and guidance on this issue.
Is it Illegal to drive a commercial vehicle if you are having periodic double vision and Numbness on one side of your body.
@ Gary S
Yes, because you are a high safety risk to both yourself and the public at large. This needs to be sorted out and rectified as soon as possible, for your personal safety.
What if you have been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma benign tumor that grows on the hearing nerve
@ Jess
The CME will question you on this issue and request additional medical documentation from your doctors. With all of the information available, the CME now has what he needs for his decision making process.
I had a stroke 6 months ago, and i still have 60% blockage to my brain. They also stented an 80% blockage in the left side of my heart. I am at a 59% risk of another stroke in the first year. Can i get a new class medical card ? Or am i done driving ?
@ Thomas C
You are on a long waiting period following your stroke. Until you are fully released to return to work without restrictions or limitations, you will not be eligible for a new medical card. Once fully released and your waiting periods are done, you may be able to return to driving, but you will need supporting medical documentation from your doctors. This will help the CME in their decision making process.
I have an essential tremor. I’ve been contemplating some of the procedures to remedy the tremors. Right now they don’t prevent me from doing my job but as with anything abnormal its annoying. If I did the gamma knife or neuravive or dbs procedures, would this disqualify me from being a trucker?
@ Roy C
Having any procedure done will require a new medical certification examination, once released to return to work, without restrictions or limitations. As long as you can perform the duties of a class A cmv operator, you should be fine.
I have degenerative disc disease. Can this prevent me from being a truck driver?
@ S McD
If the condition does not limit you in your ability to perform the duties of a CMV operator, then you should be fine.
If I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and have a successful treatment (DBS, deep brain stimulation), how do I requalify for my CDL?
@ Alyse D
Your cdl is state issued, so best to check with your local drivers license department for proper guidance on this issue. You will need a new medical card, sometime in the future. Make sure you bring a doctors release to return to work and a medical release form too. The CME may request additional documentation to aid in his/her decision making process.
Question: I have tremors; however, when driving, or parking etc., concentrating on other driving functions, my hands relax. Went to the CME in Atlanta to update my med card and she stated that I will need a clearance from a neurologist . Just completed the brain scan which the radiologist states that I have low level amounts of Dopamine as indicated by the Iodine injectected to perform the scan indicating I have SYMPTOMS of Parkinson,s and/or Essential Tremor.. My Neurologist has perscribed medication to better conrtol the tremors.
I noticed your post of 2 September 2020 in response to Bradley S 19 August 2020 wherein he stated he has an early stage of Parkinson,s . Is it possible that I may be able to maintain my CDL, should my condition be controlled by medication? . Essential Tremor is Ok; however is controlled symptoms of Parkinson,s automatically disqualifiying ? Thanks ! need your response. Trucker Docs near zip 30350 ?
@ Donald M B
As long as the present symptoms are controlled and you can perform the duties of a CMV operator, then you should be OK. The CME may want to assess your condition on a yearly basis, just to check and see how you are doing. Your medications and your situation will raise questions and may need to be supported with medical documentation to help the CME in their decision making process.
Will I fail a DOT psychical if I voluntarily checked into Behavioral Health to get mental help?
@ Bob
Your situation will be questioned and will require supporting medical documentation to aid in the CME’s decision making process.
I was told after being in the hospital for mental health that I had to wait one year
@ Cory
It will depend on the reasoning behind the hospitalization. You will need a medical release from your doctors before taking a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination for a class A driver.
I have Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune neuro-muscular disease, and with my regular regimen of Methotrexate, I have been symptom free for two years this August. Would this prevent me from getting a CDL?
@ Debbie
Your condition and medications will raise questions for the CME. He/She will request supporting documentation to aid in their decision making process.
I recently found out I have a 4 cm brain aneurysm, can I keep my commercial license
@ greg t
It will raise questions with the CME and he will be requesting additional medical documentation and medical release forms from your doctors.