<p>I have identical twins who are applying to the Naval Academy. They have completed everything and are now just awaiting their nomination status and, hopefully an appointment.</p>
<p>Both of them have braces on their teeth.</p>
<p>I understand you cannot be admitted with the braces still on, but we didn't think that would be a problem since they are both scheduled to get them off in June 2009. We even brought in a letter from their orthodontist stating that the braces are going to be removed when we is when they went in for the physical.</p>
<p>One of my sons got a disqualification medical code for "orthodontic appliances" (code D04.00) and the other got a remedial code (R252.80) with follow-up paperwork regarding the braces. They provided a form to be filled out by the orthodontist.</p>
<p>I don't understand why a the same, common condition is handled so differently; one with a complete disqualification, the other with remedial follow-up.</p>
<p>Surely, it is very common for a candidate to have braces. Since they are coming off well before admission, I do not understand why they are being treated so differently.</p>
<p>David Emerling
Memphis, TN</p>