How can we overcome the compiler error " Unknown data description qualifier GROUP-USAGE" when we use GROUP-USAGE ?

Problem

How can we overcome the compiler error  " Unknown data description qualifier GROUP-USAGE"  when we use GROUP-USAGE ?

Resolution

The problem is caused by an incorrect construct or syntax within the COBOL code.

An 01 group level definition is GROUP-USAGE IS NATIONAL, therefore NATIONAL is implied for all items contained in the group. Most items in that group are defined as ‘PIC N’ (NATIONAL), and this syntax is supported. 

If however the group contains an item defined as ‘PIC 999.’ (NATIONAL), then this syntax is NOT supported. 

Unfortunately, our documentation does not explicitly detail lack of support for PIC 9 USAGE IS NATIONAL, but that is implied by section ‘National Data Items’, which specifies :

“Define COBOL data items that hold a Unicode string as USAGE NATIONAL. These must have a picture clause that consists of one or more N symbols.”

Incident # 2857395