Well, knowing what I know now about these EGRs, I'd argue that it is a wear and tear item, however it's all relative since yours gave up around 30k. Maybe too much city use. I'd also buy a Bluetooth OBD2 dongle and download the DPFVAG app and look at the life of the DPF. It will give you a good indication of the life it had.
So premature wear I'd go with. Mine failed at 60k so expecting it to fail again in about 10k times (I'm at 98k).
I know it seems like it's gone "boom" but trust me the engine itself it's probably fine.
It's unfortunate I know but if you do get any money towards it I'd take it.