PN has indicated above the situation for pre April 2005 injuries which fall under the War Pension Scheme.
If the injury is post April 2005, then it would fall under the newer Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). The AFCS provides for a no fault compensation scheme and can pay out a lump sum for injury sustained and in more serious cases an ongoing guaranteed income payment for life (GIP).
The schemes are very different, with differing burdens of proof and for example an AFCS lump sum award (however not any GIP) can be paid whilst still in service whereas a War Pension can only be put into payment once one has left the services. Any GIP awarded under AFCS comes into payment once one leaves the services..
Although there are some changes are in the pipeline for both schemes, none are major changes.
Sadly in answer to your question, neither a War Pension or AFCS award/GIP can be commuted.
You can get further details of both schemes from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency tel 0800 169 2277 or via the veteran UK website: Pensions and Compensation
Peter
(Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee member)
Thanks, I will speak to the Vets Agency.