This answer applies to penalty-free early IRA withdrawals: Yes, you can claim disability status to do that if you are disabled. I was in the same situation. I looked up the IRS's definition of disabled, and met the definition. I then put that language in a letter to have my doctor sign, as proof, just in case i get audited. I then was free to withdraw from my IRA penalty free (i am 45 yrs old). While doing the withdrawal process, I made sure to have the brokerage firm put code '3' in Box 7 of the 1099-R. That prevents any obvious red flags when you file your return.
