Peripheral Vascular Disease

Obstructive vascular disease of the lower extremities is a widely recognized peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in adults. PVD is usually a slow, progressive disease with a benign course that carries little to no risk for sudden incapacitation.

For the driver, pain at rest represents a critical degree of ischemia and is disqualifying because of the likelihood of reduced dexterity of the affected limb. PVD can necessitate surgical revascularization, angioplasty, or amputation.

Waiting period

Minimum — 3 months post-surgical repair

NOTE: If more than one waiting period applies (because of multiple cardiac conditions or other comorbid diseases), examine the driver for certification after the completion of the longest waiting period.

Decision

Maximum certification period — 1 year

Recommend to certify if:

The driver has no other disqualifying cardiovascular disease.

Recommend not to certify if:

The driver has pain at rest.

Monitoring/Testing

You may on a case-by-case basis obtain additional tests and/or consultation to adequately assess driver medical fitness for duty.

Follow-up

The driver should have an annual medical examination.

Peripheral Vascular Disease Recommendation Table (PDF)