Truckers Report Jobs

Find Trucking Jobs

Company Driver Company Driver Dry Van Dry Van Flatbed Flatbed Refrigerated Refrigerated Specialized Specialized Owner Operator Owner Operator
More Trucking Job Searches ⌄ Fewer Trucking Job Searches
⌃

Slightly different, but still related MRE/sleep apnea questions.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Kapn, Jan 11, 2020.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Jan 11, 2020 #1
    Kapn

    Kapn Bobtail Member

    28
    8
    Nov 10, 2013
    The Yoop
    0
    Hi all,
    I've had my CDL A for about 20 years now and with the exception of about a 6 month period shortly after getting it, I've only recently started using it. I have been driving a dump truck for a local municipality since November and I have an opportunity to work for a local company hauling their products throughout the midwest. I've seen several threads regarding MRE card and sleep apnea but my situation is slightly different. I reenlisted in the Army in 2007 and I was diagnosed with sleep apnea shortly before retiring in 2015. I have a CPAP issued to me through the VA that I have been using for the past 5+ years and I have had no issues staying withing compliance (IE 4 hrs per night). I have an appointment for my physical next week (I haven't had a DOT card since 2003, didn't need it for the job I had or my time in the military) and I'm wondering if I should try to obtain a statement or log of some sort from the VA showing that I'm in compliance ahead of my physical. I might be overthinking it a little bit, but I have an opportunity to drive really nice equipment for a decent company, be home every other night and weekends and get paid a fair wage and I'd hate to screw it up. Any info you guys can provide would be helpful.
    Thanks!
    Kap
     
    Kapn, Jan 11, 2020
    Kapn, Jan 11, 2020
    #1
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Jan 11, 2020 #2
    Jenn72

    Jenn72 Medium Load Member

    604
    1,454
    Jun 7, 2019
    0
    I would bring in a compliance report for the last 90 days. You will have to check you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Then you can show them you are in compliance and if everything else is good you will be issued a 1 year med card. Will save you time and multiple trips to the DOT Dr.
     
    Jenn72, Jan 11, 2020
    Jenn72, Jan 11, 2020
    #2
    tscottme, Roberts450 and tarmadilo Thank this.
  4. Jan 11, 2020 #3
    Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

    15,169
    33,412
    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
    0
    Go to your VA release of Information office and get a statement from your records you have OSA and under the VAs care. Ask your VA PCP for a statement you are fit to drive. Do this first. Then let the ME take the next step. If you need CPAP data then cross that bridge!
     
    Moose1958, Jan 11, 2020
    Moose1958, Jan 11, 2020
    #3
    tscottme and Chinatown Thank this.
  5. Jan 11, 2020 #4
    tarmadilo

    tarmadilo Road Train Member

    1,681
    4,574
    Dec 12, 2018
    0
    What he said.
     
    tarmadilo, Jan 11, 2020
    tarmadilo, Jan 11, 2020
    #4
  7. Jan 11, 2020 #5
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,989
    170,955
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Does your cpap machine have a chip that can be downloaded to show compliance?
    I'm no DOT doctor, but you may be required to have that type of machine.
    Some VA hospitals will pay for this new type : www.inspiresleep.com
     
    Chinatown, Jan 11, 2020
    Chinatown, Jan 11, 2020
    #5
    tscottme Thanks this.
  8. Jan 11, 2020 #6
    Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

    15,169
    33,412
    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
    0
    I would also try to stay away from any ME that says anything other than OK and moves on after showing them these VA records. The better MEs are only wanting to know you are safe to drive AND under a physician's care. This is the point of the exam. If the VA is happy the ME should also be. I will also add that in the near future ALL VA PCPs will be allowed to do DOT physicals. Contact your Congresscritter and DEMAND they get this finished!
     
    Moose1958, Jan 11, 2020
    Moose1958, Jan 11, 2020
    #6
  9. Jan 11, 2020 #7
    Kapn

    Kapn Bobtail Member

    28
    8
    Nov 10, 2013
    The Yoop
    0
    Thanks for the responses. I think I'll go visit the VA clinic Monday and see what they can do for me.
     
    Kapn, Jan 11, 2020
    Kapn, Jan 11, 2020
    #7
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  10. Jan 11, 2020 #8
    ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

    10,911
    23,828
    Sep 10, 2010
    Flint, MI
    0
    Who provides the supplies for the cpap?
    Is it the va clinic or a dme provider?

    If it's the clinic you just need to take the machines sd card to them. If it's a dme, same thing.
     
    ZVar, Jan 11, 2020
    ZVar, Jan 11, 2020
    #8
  11. Jan 11, 2020 #9
    CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

    3,982
    18,764
    Mar 9, 2014
    In a van down by the River.
    0
    Yes. You must show that report of compliance to the DOT doc. If you dont they will refuse med card
     
    CrappieJunkie, Jan 11, 2020
    CrappieJunkie, Jan 11, 2020
    #9
    Kapn Thanks this.
  12. Jan 11, 2020 #10
    Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

    15,169
    33,412
    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
    0
    I would download and fill out this VA form before you go. It will save you some time. The ROI clerk will NOT help you without that properly filled out form!
     
    Moose1958, Jan 11, 2020
    Moose1958, Jan 11, 2020
    #10
    Kapn Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

    • Page 1 of 2