2" Vertical Band. What's causing it and how can I repair it?

I have a display with about a 2 inch vertical band running through it. The rest of the screen is flawless, but the band running through the middle makes it unusable.

I am hoping it is an easy fix, because I tried to source a new LCD for it and had no luck finding one. Buying the part from Apple or having them repair it is about as much as a new display - not worth it.

I'd heard that the connector near the edge of the screen where the band appears might be the problem and could be solved by applying a heat gun and massaging the connector. I haven't taken it apart yet to try it - was hoping for some guidance.