Attached are some photos to show the ice build up I'm referring to.

Thank you very much for replying, I really appreciate your time.

I did provide the wrong model number, it was missing a digit sorry about that. The correct model GS6SHAXMB00.

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I cannot find parts info on this unit are you sure it is a gs6haxb00 and not a gs6haxvb00 which does show up?
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I attached a photo of the sticker I was referring to for the model number.

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Also I cannot get tech info on it so I am assuming that the control board is what is controlling the defrost.
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Any ideas of how I could confirm this. I've been assuming my specific fridge / freezer worked like other side by side whirlpool fridge / freezers but I have no way to confirm this.

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No the defrost thermostat does not start a defrost cycle. The defrost cycle is started by the control board. It monitors the door opening to determine how often a defrost cycle should occur. The defrost time is fixed, usually at around 30 minutes. The defrost thermostat opens just above freezing and is wired in series with the defrost heater.
But lest say that all the frost/ice is melted off the evaporator coils after 15 minutes then the defrost thermostat opens and kills power to the defrost heater. The defrost cycle then continues for another 15 minutes but the heater is turned off. This prevents excessive heat in the freezer during defrost.
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Thanks for clarifying.

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Yes it is a valid conclusion as long as the defrost thermostat was frozen.
It would have been better to actually see if the defrost heater came on than relying on sound. Just be careful to not burn your fingers.
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If you were in my situation(assuming $110 for a new control board is a lot of money) would you be confident enough to buy a new control board based on the information so far?

Thanks again for your time and sharing your knowledge I very much appreciate it.

Thanks,
Eddie

Today my freezer is running warm, ice is melting(not totally melted). I have the freezer on the coldest level and the fridge is also warm as it's been for the past week. My control board should be here on Monday, but I'm wondering if the freezer running warm points to a different problem or it is still likely to be the control board. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Eddie

I replaced the control board and after 6 hours ice in my freezer is still melting. I put the only temperature monitor I have(not sure how accurate it is) in the freezer and measured 34 degrees, then in the fridge and measured 64 degrees(both in F). I've got a pretty thick layer of ice on the back of the freezer, so I thought maybe I needed to force the defroster to turn on so I referred to the datasheet you provided. Test 1 indicated a P which I believe is pass, test 2(turn on defroster) didn't yield any obvious results. I was expecting to feel the back of the freezer wall get warm and hear the ice cracking and starting to melt. I only stayed at position 2 for a minute or two but didn't notice anything obvious. What should I look for? In test three I heard the fan turn on, and in test 4 I heard the condensor turn on. Anything else I could look for or any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Eddie

Thanks for your input I really appreciate all of your help. This morning I checked the fridge and it was 42 degrees F(at the coldest setting). I'm wondering if it's fixed... I misunderstood where the heating element was, so maybe it was working after replacing the board. I'll borrow an IR temp measure tool to get a more accurate measurement of the temperature in the fridge and freezer. If needed I'll measure the resistance. What temperatures should I expect in the fridge and freezer if both are on the coldest setting? If I'm in the range of expected temperatures I assume I don't need to measure the resistance...?