Dushan has meanwhile gained valuable military experience, and the reputation of an able commander in the campaigns against the Bosnians; he particularly distinguishes himself at Velbuzhd.

Although this victory frees Serbia of the great danger of an allied attack by both the Bulgarian and the Greek emperors, dissension soon arises between Dushan and his father, who has lost to the Bosnians the Adriatic lands conquered by his predecessor but gained from the Bulgarians and the Greeks control over most of the Vardar River valley.

War breaks out in the fall of 1330 between father and son.