I was had a week vacation, when I asked to take it he said the take home policy was in effect. Which means I can't take a vacation when I take home work. Two months later I got a new job and he did not pay me for unused vacation. Am I entitled to a weeks pay?

According to Texas Law (Sec. 61.001(7)(b) of the Texas Labor Code), accrued vacation pay is considered wages, and is payable in accordance with a written agreement or the employer's written policy.

If the employer has a written policy that requires payment of accrued vacation time (or severance pay, or some other things), they are vested (owned by the employee), and must be paid. If there is no written policy requiring the payment, the employer does not have to pay.

It's entirely legal for an employer to deny a request for vacation time, and while it may not be reasonable to then deny payment on separation, it's not illegal to do so. What you "deserve" may or may not be that to which you are entitled by law.

I'd hate to always get what I 'deserve'. :)

My Ex-boss Didn't Put Anything In Writing Nor Did He Give Out A Handbook-it Seems To Me That If He Denies You A Vacation At Some Point Then A Couple Of Months Later When You Get A Different Job He should Pay You For Unused Vacation. Thank You For Your Help It Is Greatly Appreciated.
H. Wayne Tappe