The veteran seeks a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected PTSD. The Board finds it helpful to afford the veteran an examination to clarify the nature and extent of his current symptoms, given the length of time since his last VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as there was no credible supporting evidence to verify the claimed in-service stressors.

The appeal for PTSD was dismissed. Service connection for dry eye syndrome, secondary to service-connected bilateral pinguecula, is granted. The claims of entitlement to a compensable disability rating for residuals of cholecystectomy, service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and headaches are remanded.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The denial of the increased rating claim is based on the lack of evidence showing limitation of motion at shoulder level, while the denial of service connection was due to a failure to establish a link between his alcohol dependence and any service-connected disabilities.

The veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, which he claims is due to personal assault during his military service. The VA has not provided proper VCAA notice regarding the type of evidence needed to establish a disability rating and effective date.