Commercial German reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels were studied by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). This unique non-destructive method can be effectively applied for the evaluation of microstructural changes and for the analysis of degradation of reactor steels due to neutron irradiation and proton implantation. Studied specimens of German reactor pressure vessel steels are originally from CARINA/CARISMA program. Eight specimens were measured in as-received state and two specimens were irradiated by neutrons in German experimental reactor VAK (Versuchsatomkraftwerk Kahl) in the 1980s. One of the specimens which was also in as-received and neutron irradiated condition was also used for simulation of neutron damage by hydrogen nuclei implantation. Defects with the size of about 1-2 vacancies with relatively small contribution (with intensity on the level of 20-40%) were observed in "as-received" steels. A significant increase in the size of the induced defects due to neutron damage was observed at a level of 2-3 vacancies in the irradiated specimens. The size and intensity of defects reached a similar level as in the specimens irradiated in nuclear reactor due to hydrogen ions implantation with energy of 100 keV (up to the depth <500 nm). This could confirm the ability to simulate neutron damage by ion implantation. (C) 2014 Elsevier BAT. All rights reserved.