If I am 100% disabled by VA standards, can I withdraw money from an IRS without paying the 10% penalty?

[ChristinaS · Accepted solution]

I would think so. If you are unable to work due to your disability, this qualifies.

The 10% penalty exception instructions describe "disabled" with the following verbiage:

Disabled. If you become disabled before you reach age 5912, any distributions from your traditional IRA because of your disability are not subject to the 10% additional tax. You are considered disabled if you can furnish proof that you cannot do any substantial gainful activity because of your physical or mental condition. A physician must determine that your condition can be expected to result in death or to be of long, continued, and indefinite duration.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p590b.pdf

(See page 25)